21/07/2025
When we started marketing I reached out to one of the advertisers who said, "go for it it, people in this industry don't understand marketing, we're getting out of it." I was a bit surprised.
We took a different approach. A comprehensive approach, a relationship building approach, the same approach I took as an RTO rep. It's the same approach I have taken to any business adventure. I'm not sure I know another way.
That said, we became consultative in nature; being a helper first. Where collaboration is good, so is competition. It keeps us grounded and makes us innovative. Improvement must happen. Competition is like attending an auction, it helps keep the price right.
I know for a fact that people insult that in which they don't understand well. I have before and I have seen others do the same. Many years in the trenches have taught me humility. I'm still learning.
Below is someone who was venturing into the shed industry. Will we make it without them? Of course! Would our industry be better off with them? I think so! But you see their response; basically, the industry needs to mature compared to other industries in terms of a marketing strategy. I hate to see this response. A couple reasons why?
1). I believe we would be better for having these services in the industry. I believe it would elevate those using it, and get us on par with rudimentary things found in other industries that work.
2). It shows a lack of education or a willingness to learn. People are not stupid. Especially in this industry. It is full of some of the most brilliant people I have ever met. But it pains me when we are so "set in our way" to think outside the box and entertain new ideas that are working elsewhere in retail.
3). People do not always shop like you shop. It's one of the things I hear most. "We never do that," or "we do this in this situation." I get it, but you are not selling to a bunch of YOU'S. Don't just think like you would when buying in your approach to selling, instead, watch trends, use data, and proven strategies.
I'll get off my soapbox now, haha! I'm just sharing because I really thought the product/service this company offered was/is very helpful. Unfortunately, they want to move on until the industry matures further. Respectful, and they handled everything well, just disappointing to see that product/service basically dissapear. I'm keeping their name out of the conversation because they did not consent to me sharing this response, but at least it gives you a little insight to just one of the conversations that happens behind the scenes.
Full disclosure: I do not make any many for this company and I'm not paid in any capacity. I would receive financial compensation only if they were an advertiser. Also, my apologies if this reads as aggressive or angry. I'm not, just passionate to see the best for the industry.
Hi Shannon, hope you are doing well.
Thanks for thinking of us. We have moved away from pursuing the shed industry and prioritizing more mature markets we are seeing tremendous growth in.
Our experience with many shed companies is we can drive the same value and tremendous improvement for them like we do it painting, roofing, HVAC, etc. but they don't get the long term value of continuing ................
That isn't ICP for us and until the marketing strategy matures to be more in line with other trades we are not pursuing the space currently.
