Lining up to buy fabric from Mexico

They are lining up to buy fabric following the news release by the USTR.

The doors have just opened wide . . . for Central America.

Actually, the international conference call on July 2 by US Trade Representative Scott Quesenberry was to reassure all parties Mexico denim fabric exports to CAFTA member Guatemala will start on August 15. The savings for factory owners range from 30 to 40 percent over US-bought fabric in the past. Of course, as we know there is no longer a textile industry in America to produce the fabric for which apparel producing countries have been starving. Apparel produced in these CAFTA countries using Mexico fabric is than imported into the US duty-free, without quotas, and, _ very cheap.

This raises some questions in my mind. I submitted my question concerning ICs in Texas to the USTR on August 08 and will share their response as soon as I receive it. My question: Is this duty/quota-free denim fabric available to ICs in Texas?

Do fabric retailers, such as Hancock and Jo-Ann have an interest or plan to procure Mexico denim fabric for their customers?
If the cost-savings are so appealing for factory owners are they any less for ICs?
What if a local IE-Network of at-home apparel makers approached the store management to make known their wishes for this fabric?

Actually, this may be an opportunity best seized by an independent Mexico entrepreneur.

What if this fabrics vendor turned right around to place, pickup and purchase custom apparel orders from IC-Networks in Texas for his/her clientele in US or Mexico? Any international import/export issues would be his business to handle, not that of independent contractors.

What if your private label caught the vendor's eye? Are you ready to meet the buyer’s requests?

FYI: Powerpoint business presentation to be announced August 11 on this blog.

Independent apparel retailer unity

“No, but sounds like a great idea!”

That was the reaction from an independent apparel retailer in Round Rock to my question: “Is there an association of independent apparel retailers?”

Consider this my invitation to all: If you can enlighten me to the existence of such an association, organization or network to unite independent apparel retailers I would like to know about it. Also, I invite you to view, “CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE”, a resource by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

What effect does the IE-Network have on the unity of independent apparel retailers?

First, unity among IRs means merchandisers and others businesses will see and hear them as a body.
Second, unity ceases to be a mere slogan or wish, but a reality. Independent retailers who unite can exercise their business clout to leverage textile suppliers and retailers on behalf of the IRs’ apparel-makers network.
Third, unity gives IRs a voice in local government.

The link above is the actual text. The five-point text below reflects my red highlights added for emphasis. Here is one portion I highlighted.

Some of the trends affecting retailers discussed in the report are:
1) the increasing amount and intensity of competition;
2) the impact of major demographic changes like the aging of America, the growth of the Hispanic population, and economic clout of the “Y Generation” born 1981-1995 as the largest consumer group in US history;
3) the backlash against chain expansion in smaller communities;
4) the impact of soaring healthcare costs on retail businesses; and
5) the ever-blurring delineations between market segments and buyer groups in the US.

1. The competition is not going away. It is not only from overseas, but across the street, across the street. Increasing sales revenue must come from something more than less expensive procurement. A retailer’s local, private apparel-makers network offers great promise for reducing procurement costs by minimizing or eliminating conventional inventory stockpiling practices.

2. The buyers represented by these demographic groups can best be reached through IE-Network members who themselves, as apparel-makers, both young and old, represent the community demographics. I have heard from so many young girls and young women a mere two, three years out of high school who have great desire and ideas for fashion. What snuffs their creativity is not knowing or being able to partner with independent retailers. Despite their youth many of them have old, conventional paradigms, “I-need-a-lot-of-money-to-start-my-business” mindsets toward getting into the apparel business.

3. Perhaps the best indicator of this backlash is WALMART has committed to taking on the “small business” look in local communities. Whether they achieve that is not so much the point as that they see the value of you of the independent small business.

4. I believe the allusion in this IRMA source is to BIG retail business. Nonetheless, contractors, in the truest sense of the word, represent a way for retailers to continue to build with their former employees Knowledge, Skills and Experience as independent contractors and eliminate healthcare costs.

5. This point is closely related to the first point on the demographics makeup of the community.

Star certification for independent contractors

What's the advantage of Star Certification for independent contractors?

There are two groups in the private business sector which are the focus of the TSR IE-Network model. They are the individual, private, independent enterprises (IE) of contractors and retailers. Although the primary focus is on at-home apparel makers and computer systems makers the model will extend into other areas to include; automotive, AC installation/repair, cable installation, housecleaning, roofing, satellite dish installation and more. These two sectors, independent contractors and independent retailers, are represented in large numbers throughout America. Despite the great amount and diversity of talent they are often unable to establish and grow their enterprises.

Star certification could make the difference. A Star Certification program for IE-Network members is under development and is expected to be completed by launch of the IE-Network model in Round Rock Texas. Star Certification is a means of reassuring the IC’s private clients, consumers and the IC’s retailer for whom he/she fulfills apparel orders. Overall, Star Certification establishes a standard on par with any other in the market. It is an invitation to the general public to place their trust for quality workmanship and service on independent contractors and independent retailers. The IC can display his/her Star Certification for customers. Customers can view rank (3 star, 2 star and 1 star) and grade level details of the IC's profile for their specific talents as well as customer testimonies.

The Star Certification is structured with 3 ranks and 6 grade levels. These are some of its elements:
· Verification of number of service calls performed within a specified timeframe.
· Verification of service fees associated with those service calls for purposes of determining IC grade level. (For example: Under $50 in a 1 year timeframe would classify as a One Star rank, A4 - A6 grade level; Over $1500 in a 2 year timeframe; Three Star rank, A1 grade level.)
· Verification of experience.
· Verification of education.

The Star Certification will be available for an affordable as yet to-be-determined fee. The program will be conducted through an independent accounting firm. TSR is committed to supporting independent contractors and retailers in the establishment and development of their enterprises through the creation of IE-Networks.

Network marketing scams

The red text in this post is taken from the last paragraph at this link. The comments which follow the red text are mine. I have provided two additional links. None of these are presented here as alerts, condemnations or endorsements by or of WorkingMannequin or the at-home IC-Network model. Rather, they are for you, reader, to make a comparison of the at-home IC-Network model (known as IE-Networks, also) and networking marketing businesses in general with the benefit of the information provided by these resources.

I can state unequivocably and confidently, the IC-Network is a solid, legitimate Independent Enterprise business model. True, because TSR, Inc. is neither registered nor conducting business it will not appear in these network marketing watchdog sites. However, given the general lack of understanding of network marketing I can well anticipate the knee jerk reaction by some to cast it in the mold of a scam. This blog has been dedicated to informing and enlightening readers to the nature and function of the IC-Network model. You are encouraged to review the FAQ link on this blog. WM


With network marketing,

there are no big capital requirements,

IC-Network membership cost is an average of 10 dollars a month or $120/year.


no geographical limitations,

IC-Networks are local, regional, statewide and nationwide. Only the individual networker decides if and when they wish to extend their network beyond the immediate local setting.

no minimum quotas required

IC-Network members are independent and as such are not obligated to fulfill any quotas toward TSR, Inc.

and no special education or skills needed

There is much written about Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE) on this blog. People acquire, and sometimes amass, much KSE in their respective fields of employment. They learn well, for example, how to create apparel items or build computers for their employer. However, even this KSE is not a requirement to obtain network membership.

Network marketing is a low-overhead,

The at-home IC-Network model utilizes equipment or tools (such as sewing machine or computer troubleshooting skills) in the possession of networkers, already. Even when someone might choose and need to acquire, for example, a sewing machine, it is not an expense that would indebt them for large amounts.

home-based business that can actually offer many of the tax advantages associated with owning your own business.

Tax advantage strategies are all about how business corporation owners not only increase their profits, but, more importantly, how much they keep.

Network marketing is a people-to-people business that can significantly expand your circle of friends.

While this is certainly true, IC-Networks are more than a social hangout club. They are a means for leveraging, or multiplying, an individual’s income.


It's a business that enables you to travel and have fun as well as enjoy the lifestyle that extra income can provide.

If leisure travel is what you desire that is for you to plan. Otherwise, a networker’s business travel in pursuit of expanding his/her network is their private decision, strictly.

4th of July recommended reading

I hope you enjoy your Independence Day holiday with your family. Here's a bit of recommended reading from select posts from my WorkingMannequin blog. gt

A short personal biographical sketch: http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2008/01/hollister-ca.html

This Directron.com forum has been friendly to my post: IE-Networks; handle CUE Towers.
http://directron.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?a=frm&s=476097824&f=572091644


Apparel

http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2007/11/apparel-manufacturing-facility-in-texas.html

http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2006/10/small-is-beautiful.html




Computer

http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2008/03/intel-levels-whitebook-playing-field.html

http://workingmannequin.blogspot.com/2008/04/job-security-in-it.html


My other blog: http://www.statesman.com/sitelife/content/sitelife/persona.html?plckPersonaPage=PersonaBlog&plckUserId=8564386&newspaperUserId=8564386&sid=sitelife.statesman.com

Two Surveys: At-home apparel and computers

There are two surveys posted this weekend. The first one is directed at Information Technology (IT) individuals with Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE) in computer and related aspects. The second survey is directed at those individuals with the KSE in apparel.

The purpose of these surveys is to generate data for the benefit of independent retailer/resellers in apparel and computer sales. Certainly, the information would be just as useful for individuals. The data is expected to reflect the range of talent, interest and location of those individuals.

Should anyone be so fortunate as to partner with an independent business to supply their apparel or computer needs that would be great. Everybody is free to do so. However, a partnership, or the creation of networks, between individuals and retailer/resellers would be for the greater benefit of many other individuals with their own wealth resources. Your KSE are your wealth resources. Furthermore, a network, although it is local, initially, expands to regional then state, then nationwide areas. These entrepreneurial opportunities are between enterprises, that is, individuals and retailer/resellers, not employees.

Take the survey and let others know you are part of the vast talent in America willing to do the best for your family. Should you wish to write any comments you may email them to: GTorresCUE@gmail.com or post your thoughts on this article.

Portrait of an at-home IT talent

Many of us are aware there is an abundance of Information Technology talent in central Texas. A good number of these men and women are employed. Many others have lost or will lose their jobs to outsourcing. Some decide to not seek another employer, but choose instead to cast their luck and venture into their own IT services business. Still others get out ot the field all together and re-enter the job market in an unrelated field or unrelated business of their own.

Marriage and a baby (as some of us know) bring enormous changes and blessings into a relationship and a home. HAL, as we will call it and despite the neuter gender, is a real person rest assured. HAL, in its single days, was sourced as an independent contractor (IC) by out of state clients. Although HAL's engineering degree is in neither computer nor IT related fields, clients tapped his talents.

Now, as the stay-at-home parent with newborn child HAL is extremely please with this circumstance. HAL states there is ample room in the Round Rock TX family financial portfolio for a second income to supplement HAL's spouse's income. I do not believe HAL's situation is unique.

Some of HAL's talents include:

• Troubleshooting skills
• Advanced hardware/software knowledge
• PC and server systems builder
• Home network setup
• Router setup and installation
• and more . . .

High fuel costs are a strong dis-incentive to driving to a second job and is akeen to hiring additional personnel to increase profits. VARs, systems builders, and resellers who leverage IC talent like HAL are smart. Those who tap into an IE-Network of HALs are smarter.

You are invited to post inquires or comments regarding HAL.

The IE-Network model means business

Subscription, Transaction, and Advertising

These are, according to Scott Cohen in, Business Models That Mean Business, the three types of business models in existence. My point is not to argue or dispute the assertion. Rather, I prefer to size the at-home IE-Network (Independent Enterprise Network) model up against this criteria.

The IE-Network model is a subscription-based model for the company. It is a transaction-based model for members as they create and sell their product or service for their clients. Traditional advertising involving the use of media and its expenses is the members' choice.

The IE-Network model is not an Internet business. Although it will have a web presence registration of new members is face-to-face, strictly.

The IE-Network model does not rely on advertising, Often small business can not afford and when they do spend on advertising it is a wild shot. That's not to say there is no advertising, but any advertising expenditures are so minimal as to be negligble. As such, advertising by members is neither required nor expected, though as they are independent they are free to do so if they choose. Advertising is by word of mouth.

This statement by the author is as true as it is powerful of the IE-Network model:

"So, rather than attempt to change the behavior of our entire target audience or impose a "transaction" model on an inappropriate market, we created a platform that facilitated the deal-making process while still providing value and a scaleable, recurring revenue stream."

Specifically, the IE-Network model:

Facilitates - the process of procurement of products or services by retailer/reseller clients through a local network of Independent Contractors (Enterprises).

Value - is in the production of Customer-Made products by IE-Networks for the retailer/reseller clients

Scaleable - inventory for the retailer/reseller means stockpile inventory reduction or elimination as well as the flexibility to affect quick changes as needed or desired.

Revenue - flows in three different forms for members; personal productivity, recurring (residual), and bonuses.

Clearly, the IE-Network model is a business system. A business system generates revenue increasingly whether you are in the shop or out shopping. Membership in IE-Networks is open to all, whether independent contractors or retailers/resellers.

Initially, the at-home IE-Network model will launch in the areas of apparel and computer systems builder. Members need not be familiar or have knowledge of a prospective member's area of expertise to register them in the IE-Network system.

Furthermore, IE-Network members can excercise their option to operate their business system for the residual income and bonuses it can generate without themselves being involved in production of products or services.

Compensation for registration of new members is absolutely prohibited by the company, state and federal law.

Focus

The focus of my pursuit

One of my early mentors a few years ago would hit me with questions about my business model. It was always with the softening words, "I don't want to discourage you." I would assure him there was not much he could ask which I had not been asked or had not thought about, already. Regardless of the spirit or intent with which friends (and others) ask their questions I always welcome these as the teachable moment.

So, I was neither hurt, offended nor surprised when a friend suggested I might focus on an at-home job, because "that business of yours" is just too diverse. "You're trying to tackle too many things."

I agreed; _ on the part about my business. What's more although I agreed with him I stated the focus of my pursuit has not been in finding a "good job", even if it is at home, but in creating a business model where the individual can utilize his own knowledge, skills and experience to generate his own income.

I do not doubt some of you readers have yet to feel you understand what the IE-Network model is, how it works and how it can earn you money. Some of that may be my inability to communicate my message clearly. Then, of course, this has been a long-running monologue with me don't the "talking." Some of it may be because you, the interested readers, may be focused on the wrong thing. Let me illustrate through the following analogy how we immerse ourselves in environments so diverse it would scare us away were we to focus on the wrong thing.

Diversity of IE-Networks

First, let me reiterate some of what makes up IE-Networks. Independent Enterprise Networks can include members from very diverse backgrounds and interests. An IE-Network member may bring other contractors which may include at-home apparel makers, computer systems builders, roofers, satellite dish installers. What they all share in common is the IE-Network model which enables a business system which generates income for them, _ increasingly. Does the IE-Network member who brings them into his/her network necessarily need to know about all these different fields? NO.

A diverse workplace environment

Now, lets suppose you applied for and accepted the $10/hr position as computer builder at XYZ, Inc., a computer manufacturer. As you enter the XYZ workplace facility you meet some of your new associates. You soon learn are immersed in a very diverse environment with housekeeping personnel, software engineers, mechanical engineers, materials handlers, boxers, shippers, forklift operators. These are just a few individuals you happen to greet, but you realize there are so many more. Are you or XYZ management troubled that you know nothing about software or shipping? NO. You both understand as long as you keep your focus on computer building your contribution to the XYZ operations will be much appreciated and valued.

Who compensates you

Aside of these interpersonal relationships I wonder how many people would know the president of XYZ. How many people can explain, while looking at their check stub, a complete breakdown of their pay; what is FICA, Medicare, etc.? That does not prevent them from receiving their paycheck or spending it. It's not a mystery.

A key difference between XYZ, Inc. and IE-Networks is how the individual is compensated. XYZ management will call you in once a year and you will be informed IF you will be rewarded with a pay raise. IE-Network members determine for themselves where, how fast and how much compensation they want to see their network generate for them. That, too, is a matter of focus you alone must determine and maintain. Like the XYZ employee, you may not know whose network you are a part, or every person who is coming into your network, but that doesn't keep you from receiving your compensation and enjoying it. It's not a mystery.

Stay focused, dear friends.

A System that Works for your Business

I've just discovered Robin Robins. I've been reading and listening to Robin Robins.

If you are a VAR or IT consultant who's being reading my blog I want to urge you to listen to her. She has an wealth of information on her website and through a free CD (which I ordered), also. Robin's got an unfaltering steady, perfect delivery that makes for easy (but definitely not lulling) listen.

Although I am neither a VAR nor IT I can see she has masterminded a system for these business enitities. Robin's Technology Marketing Toolkit System comes with a guarantee. You can't go wrong. I do not want to risk either overstating or mis-stating her claims. I refer you to her website.

I heartily concur with Robin on her unrelenting emphasis on the importance of having a system
for your business. That ought to ring familiar with you, dear readers, because the IE-Network model is a system that works for your business and that enables you, either VAR or IT, (as well as apparel makers) to replicate yourself or your business organization. The IE-Network model is founded on two corporate principles: Leveraging tax law and creating alliances.

The answer to the question between how much you make and how much you keep is
determined by how well you leverage tax law to your advantage. Although you do not need an alliance, or network, to leverage tax law effectively, it is the system you need to get into business for yourself, but not by yourself.

The IE-Network model is not just a social club, card-holder-hangout for members. IE-Networks generate income and bonuses for members once the system is created whether or not you, the network member, are at the office or on the beach. Those of you who have worked in manufacturing are familiar with ISO. It is the more common "acronym" for IOS; International Organization for Standardization. So, you see "ISO" is not an acronym, really. It is the Greek word meaning, "equal".

The reason network members understand and follow the development of their their business system with one another's success in mind is because the network makes them, "ISO", that is, "equal". Each network member determines for themselves how big, how quickly, where, how far and how much income their network produces for them. This concept of equality may be a buzz word in the corporate world, but the reality on the manufacturing floor is simply not there. As always, my point is not to tear down that traditional model. I do want to point out that is what many, or most, of us have accepted and continue to believe is the only way to provide for our families livelihood.

It's time individuals come together for their common prosperity. It's time to direct resources to those businesses, such as midmarket companies, who do not have the financial resources of bigger companies to battle issues which affect productivity. IC-Networks are the best system, the best tool to equalize all things for all concerned.