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Ideas. Ideas. Ideas. Execution starts today.

Idea threads

Please read the OP from the TL;DR — Choose 2 businesses that make the most CENTS. Thx.


  • Total voters
    24
  • Poll closed .

Genius01

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As I see it, we're not selling tables, we're selling unity, legacy, family, community, connection. The table has always been a gathering place, a "togethering" space, a special place where people love and create together. Families seem to be struggling these days and the definition of family is changing—which is not necessarily a bad thing. The roots of the trees which give rise to these tables will form the roots of better relationships within the homes and businesses in which they stand.

The people who will sit around our tables will want to solidify their relationships, create togetherness and conversations, and build a legacy. The table will become a generational heirloom piece, transferring the wisdom of the buyer to the next generations.

That's the brand, I think. I'm open to your thoughts on this.

In terms of the words which will ground the brand, I've purchased a few domain names recently. You're already familiar with tabl.store—too dull, doesn't speak to the brand. Then there's toptabl.com. Same problem. There's no soul and it sounds like it's bragging. It's not about the people who would buy and use the table.

These are the newest ideas:
  • ilovethistable.com
  • lovethistable.com
I like these. These are phrases that someone might say when seeing the table, but again, I think the focus is wrong.

Here's the last one I bought:
  • togethertables.com
I think this one rings true to the brand and is easy to remember. It has an alliterative component as well, which I think is good. I'm working on some sketches right now for the logo. Here are a couple, among a batch of others I was doing for some of the other ideas:

View attachment 18448
view

I'd love to hear your ideas as well. Thx.

I like the brand angle you are taking. Can give people a reason to buy, as well as a story to key into.
Its cool, IMO.

I also like your last 2 ideas for website names (lovethistable.com, and togethertables.com).
I think the latter gels more with your brand story, and I prefer that personally.
Kudos. Wish you speed on your new road trip!
 
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Dave Daily

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How old is your son? It is likely that he could get involved in any of these business ideas. Don't fall in love with a biz idea for the wrong reasons. "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be rich?"

He's 16. You make a good point. VectorVictory.com does have the most votes. Something to think about. Thx. I'll wait until the poll is over on the 8th to make a final decision.
 

Carol Jones

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G'day Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz,

I'm not voting on your ideas. They all seem very exciting. And shows your ability to think ideas through.

What I will vote on is:

#1. Your amazing courage in putting yourself out there. And risking a very public humiliation. Which is always on the cards. So I give you a 10/10.

#2. The incredible help. And support. You received from members of this forum. Which is a forum that doesn't let people down. And I give the forum a 10/10.

You now have all the help. Ideas. A support lifeline. And emotional infrastructure. To create the life you want to live. With all its imperfections.

The rest is up to you.

So go grab your brass ring. And get going! ~Carol❤
 

Dave Daily

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G'day Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz,

I'm not voting on your ideas. They all seem very exciting. And shows your ability to think ideas through.

What I will vote on is:

#1. Your amazing courage in putting yourself out there. And risking a very public humiliation. Which is always on the cards. So I give you a 10/10.

#2. The incredible help. And support. You received from members of this forum. Which is a forum that doesn't let people down. And I give the forum a 10/10.

You now have all the help. Ideas. A support lifeline. And emotional infrastructure. To create the life you want to live. With all its imperfections.

The rest is up to you.

So go grab your brass ring. And get going! ~Carol❤

Thank you Carol. The response has been amazing and I’m grateful. I appreciate you jumping in to offer encouragement. My poll ends in two days and I’ll be choosing between two very different paths. It’s going to be a hard decision, but whichever I choose, I plan to go all in.
 
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Carol Jones

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Thank you Carol. The response has been amazing and I’m grateful. I appreciate you jumping in to offer encouragement. My poll ends in two days and I’ll be choosing between two very different paths. It’s going to be a hard decision, but whichever I choose, I plan to go all in.

It's a pleasure to offer encouragement Dave @Hugh Nivers. We all need it. And many don't get enough of it.

That's what I like about this forum. Opinions are diverse. But there will always be someone available to give you a helping hand.

Once you make your decision. I hope you tell us how you made it. And why. We all need to know the nitty-gritty behind decisions. We're not privy to enough of this behind closed doors information. Knowing how. And why. Helps others in the forum to make their decisions. Including me!

Again. Best wishes, Dave. I have no doubts that you'll be awesome! ~Carol❤

PS. Thank you for your generosity. It's always appreciated.
 

Alex Nolte

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Voted! Here's my opinion on three of your ideas:

hygiene.club
I like the idea of the hygiene box - did you want to create your own products for the box or use products from other companies? IMO you should use products from other companies ( and maybe create some products yourself ) if you really want to scale that business, because there's a bigger market for a bigger range of hygiene products.

drinksteve
Just make sure your ideas solve an existing problem. With drinksteve I don't see a big need in the markef because
1. the stevia hype is already over (in germany at least).
2. all of the big softdrinks have a zero version.
3. Coca Cola life was based on stevia and it was a big flop
4. the comedy angle decreases the size of the market even more IMO
conclusion => stevia not a good idea

Apt Offers
With the Apt Offers I agree with Real Deal Denver.
 

eliquid

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Here is my 2 cents.

1. Think about legal.

Because of this, I threw out any food related one. Sure insurance and other things can prevent you losing everything, but someone getting sick would be my nightmare if it ended up being bad produce.

The table idea, I think you will need to think long and hard about this and change the way the tables/benches are put together.

My father is a master woodworker and has built everything from kitchens, to the all the wood in the courtroom for the movie "A Few Good Men". He now builds for chains like Texas Roadhouse and Roosters ( all the interiors of their restaurants). I've hand to lend a hand or 2 over the last 30 years....

The fastener for the back of the bench in the pic you shown more than likely would not hold a large man who might recline back too far, or a child being a bit too carried away. Potential injury or at least an unhappy customer. I know you can't predict "abuse" but if anything you need to make that more sturdy and possibly hide/paint it too so it's not showing outward. Maybe an "arm rest" would be the additional support you need to the back of the bench for at least the sides of the back rest ( but this doesn't support the middle section ).


2. Think about sales OR length to stable sales

What's going to be hardest to get sales for?

I think design services would be quick and easy.

Table sales, I know it can come but it might take a while to get the name out and get stable sales. Good thing is, at the prices you sell for ( tables ) you'd only need a few each month while growing to not feel like its not going anywhere.


3. I think you could do both

I know you have the idea you want to do only one. Thats cool.

However, it's not that hard to build a table or do design work.

Maybe I'm wrong because I've done both and grew up around wood and computers. So maybe Im the exception.

Not to downplay the work, not at all. I know how stressful both can be. Plus sawdust in your nose and eyes and lungs everyday is pain. So is having a board "buck back" from a table saw and the other "pains" of working with your hands and tools.

But you can teach several students to make tables from plans. Local high schools have woodworking classes. Young kids can read plan and use tools. I know you might want to build them too, but what I am saying is you can let someone else build it while you make sales.

Same with design work. Tons of people on Fiverr and Craigslist in other countries that you can offload the work to. Sure you might also want to do this, but you can be making sales while they do the work.

Then you work your way out of both sales jobs and management roles.


Wishing you the best in whatever you pick.

.
 
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Carol Jones

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I'm good enough to know that I'm not good enough personally to do what would need to be done for VectorVictory.com. The truth is though that I only need to art direct. That I can do. As long as I can convince a bevy of skilled, starving artists to produce the custom work, it'll work.

G'day again Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz,

Some of the most successful businesses in the world have been built around the skills of the people who can do the work.

And the skills of the people who have ideas. And can CREATE the work.

Ideas come first. Creating the work comes second. Without those two skills, the people who can do the work have nothing to do.

There's a plus in this dichotomy of skills. These relationships work because each part of the relationship can't exist without the other. There are no areas where there's overlap. So there are rarely opportunities for dissension.

From what I can see, your biggest strength is the one you beat yourself up about the most. Your ability to generate ideas. But not execute them. By doing them yourself.

You don't need to follow through on your ideas by doing them yourself. You just need to know your idea is right out of the box. Because you see things others don't. And then find someone to work with who can help you execute them.

For instance, with your tables idea. Why do you need to make them yourself? There are plenty of skilled carpenters who can make them for you. Maybe this idea won't take off. But it's an example of where you don't need to be the person who does. You just need to be the person with the idea. And be the person who can organise the people who make them. So you can concentrate on developing the market.

In Italy, two partners who are childhood friends are turning the cashmere garment world upside down by offering superior quality garments direct to customers. At half the price.

They had the idea that it could be done. And found the people who could help them turn their idea into a business.

One of the most successful architectural practices in Sydney Australia was a partnership between an architect who was a brilliant designer. But who couldn't sell his designs to clients. And a partner who couldn't design anything. But knew how to convince clients his partner was brilliant.

One could sell the projects. The other could execute the designs. They built up a formidable practice over 30 years. Employing over 300 people around the world. And sold the practice when they reached retirement for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Most people are bereft of ideas, Dave. Don't sell yourself short. It's ideas that change the world. There are more than enough people available in the world to help you execute them. ~Carol❤
 

Genius01

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G'day again Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz,

Some of the most successful businesses in the world have been built around the skills of the people who can do the work.

And the skills of the people who have ideas. And can CREATE the work.

Ideas come first. Creating the work comes second. Without those two skills, the people who can do the work have nothing to do.

There's a plus in this dichotomy of skills. These relationships work because each part of the relationship can't exist without the other. There are no areas where there's overlap. So there are rarely opportunities for dissension.

From what I can see, your biggest strength is the one you beat yourself up about the most. Your ability to generate ideas. But not execute them. By doing them yourself.

You don't need to follow through on your ideas by doing them yourself. You just need to know your idea is right out of the box. Because you see things others don't. And then find someone to work with who can help you execute them.

For instance, with your tables idea. Why do you need to make them yourself? There are plenty of skilled carpenters who can make them for you. Maybe this idea won't take off. But it's an example of where you don't need to be the person who does. You just need to be the person with the idea. And be the person who can organise the people who make them. So you can concentrate on developing the market.

In Italy, two partners who are childhood friends are turning the cashmere garment world upside down by offering superior quality garments direct to customers. At half the price.

They had the idea that it could be done. And found the people who could help them turn their idea into a business.

One of the most successful architectural practices in Sydney Australia was a partnership between an architect who was a brilliant designer. But who couldn't sell his designs to clients. And a partner who couldn't design anything. But knew how to convince clients his partner was brilliant.

One could sell the projects. The other could execute the designs. They built up a formidable practice over 30 years. Employing over 300 people around the world. And sold the practice when they reached retirement for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Most people are bereft of ideas, Dave. Don't sell yourself short. It's ideas that change the world. There are more than enough people available in the world to help you execute them. ~Carol❤

I really like your insights Carol. And the way you put them across. Simple and with clarity.
Kudos!
 

Carol Jones

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I really like your insights Carol. And the way you put them across. Simple and with clarity.
Kudos!

Good morning @Genius01 from Oz,

Thank you so much! You've definitely put a sparkle into my day. And made me smile.

If ever I can help you, please let me know. It would be a privilege! ~Carol❤
 
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Real Deal Denver

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G'day again Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz,

Some of the most successful businesses in the world have been built around the skills of the people who can do the work.

And the skills of the people who have ideas. And can CREATE the work.

Ideas come first. Creating the work comes second. Without those two skills, the people who can do the work have nothing to do.

There's a plus in this dichotomy of skills. These relationships work because each part of the relationship can't exist without the other. There are no areas where there's overlap. So there are rarely opportunities for dissension.

From what I can see, your biggest strength is the one you beat yourself up about the most. Your ability to generate ideas. But not execute them. By doing them yourself.

You don't need to follow through on your ideas by doing them yourself. You just need to know your idea is right out of the box. Because you see things others don't. And then find someone to work with who can help you execute them.

For instance, with your tables idea. Why do you need to make them yourself? There are plenty of skilled carpenters who can make them for you. Maybe this idea won't take off. But it's an example of where you don't need to be the person who does. You just need to be the person with the idea. And be the person who can organise the people who make them. So you can concentrate on developing the market.

In Italy, two partners who are childhood friends are turning the cashmere garment world upside down by offering superior quality garments direct to customers. At half the price.

They had the idea that it could be done. And found the people who could help them turn their idea into a business.

One of the most successful architectural practices in Sydney Australia was a partnership between an architect who was a brilliant designer. But who couldn't sell his designs to clients. And a partner who couldn't design anything. But knew how to convince clients his partner was brilliant.

One could sell the projects. The other could execute the designs. They built up a formidable practice over 30 years. Employing over 300 people around the world. And sold the practice when they reached retirement for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Most people are bereft of ideas, Dave. Don't sell yourself short. It's ideas that change the world. There are more than enough people available in the world to help you execute them. ~Carol❤

I think I've found a part of my mastermind group. The most successful people work with a group of talented people that have unusually keen insight and uncommon business sense. You can go years before finding one of these people. They are indeed rare, and rarer still are the ones that will actually help you.

The advice that Carol gave you is golden. You are a true treasure Carol!
 

Dave Daily

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Thanks @eliquid

I appreciate this insight. It's super helpful. I'm glad you saw the brace I added to the back of the bench. I also didn't like it exposed like that but I was afraid that the back wasn't going to be strong enough. The back is actually secured in three ways, although that still might not be the best way to do it. There's the t-brace, the bak is also secured with kreg screws straight into the bench top, and I have some decorative braces which secure it on the front.

As far as legal goes, yeah, what do you recommend? Can a good insurance policy cover some or all of the liability? I'm totally ignorant of how to handle liability issues like this and as you suggest, I should have something in place before I start getting a lot of these out there.

Here is my 2 cents.

1. Think about legal.

Because of this, I threw out any food related one. Sure insurance and other things can prevent you losing everything, but someone getting sick would be my nightmare if it ended up being bad produce.

The table idea, I think you will need to think long and hard about this and change the way the tables/benches are put together.

My father is a master woodworker and has built everything from kitchens, to the all the wood in the courtroom for the movie "A Few Good Men". He now builds for chains like Texas Roadhouse and Roosters ( all the interiors of their restaurants). I've hand to lend a hand or 2 over the last 30 years....

The fastener for the back of the bench in the pic you shown more than likely would not hold a large man who might recline back too far, or a child being a bit too carried away. Potential injury or at least an unhappy customer. I know you can't predict "abuse" but if anything you need to make that more sturdy and possibly hide/paint it too so it's not showing outward. Maybe an "arm rest" would be the additional support you need to the back of the bench for at least the sides of the back rest ( but this doesn't support the middle section ).

2. Think about sales OR length to stable sales
What's going to be hardest to get sales for?

I think design services would be quick and easy.

Table sales, I know it can come but it might take a while to get the name out and get stable sales. Good thing is, at the prices you sell for ( tables ) you'd only need a few each month while growing to not feel like its not going anywhere.

Length to stable sales is a question mark for me in both areas. It does seem like design services would be quick, but my plan is to sell unlimited art for a set monthly amount. That sale might take a bit longer and I have to figure out how to get quality artists together with companies that are willing to pay. It will definitely be an interesting problem to solve. The hard part is just at the beginning.

As for table, its a more straightforward transaction, but you're correct that getting the name out there and people trusting the brand will be the hardest part.

3. I think you could do both

I know you have the idea you want to do only one. Thats cool.

However, it's not that hard to build a table or do design work.

Maybe I'm wrong because I've done both and grew up around wood and computers. So maybe Im the exception.

Not to downplay the work, not at all. I know how stressful both can be. Plus sawdust in your nose and eyes and lungs everyday is pain. So is having a board "buck back" from a table saw and the other "pains" of working with your hands and tools.

But you can teach several students to make tables from plans. Local high schools have woodworking classes. Young kids can read plan and use tools. I know you might want to build them too, but what I am saying is you can let someone else build it while you make sales.

Same with design work. Tons of people on Fiverr and Craigslist in other countries that you can offload the work to. Sure you might also want to do this, but you can be making sales while they do the work.

Then you work your way out of both sales jobs and management roles.


Wishing you the best in whatever you pick.

Thanks @eliquid. Doing both sounds a bit scary for me personally. I'm easily distracted by my ideas. I'd be working against my own nature if I do more than one. I think I really need to pick one and go for it.
 
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Real Deal Denver

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As far as legal goes, yeah, what do you recommend? Can a good insurance policy cover some or all of the liability? I'm totally ignorant of how to handle liability issues like this

I admire your creativity and drive so much Dave.

But even more than that, I admire your honesty and lack of an inflated ego.

It takes a strong man to admit his weaknesses. I assure you, those will not be weaknesses for too long. I don't know too much about insurance, but I believe you are looking for a one million dollar umbrella policy. They're very common. Now that you know the lingo, just call any reputable insurance agent and they will know exactly what you need.

Your posts are terrific. Keep up the good work (!)
 
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Dave Daily

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G'day again Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz,

Some of the most successful businesses in the world have been built around the skills of the people who can do the work.

And the skills of the people who have ideas. And can CREATE the work.

Ideas come first. Creating the work comes second. Without those two skills, the people who can do the work have nothing to do.

There's a plus in this dichotomy of skills. These relationships work because each part of the relationship can't exist without the other. There are no areas where there's overlap. So there are rarely opportunities for dissension.

From what I can see, your biggest strength is the one you beat yourself up about the most. Your ability to generate ideas. But not execute them. By doing them yourself.

You don't need to follow through on your ideas by doing them yourself. You just need to know your idea is right out of the box. Because you see things others don't. And then find someone to work with who can help you execute them.

For instance, with your tables idea. Why do you need to make them yourself? There are plenty of skilled carpenters who can make them for you. Maybe this idea won't take off. But it's an example of where you don't need to be the person who does. You just need to be the person with the idea. And be the person who can organise the people who make them. So you can concentrate on developing the market.

Hey @Carol Jones,

I agree with you 1000% and thank you for the complement. I often don't think of my ideation ability as a strength, but it is. To your point, I have an ambitious goal to get the business up to 7000 units sold by the end of year 3. Then I'd like to keep it there or increase it for 2 to 3 more years and sell the business. To do that, I'll need to get the manufacturing and distribution in place by the end of year one, as I see it. These first few months need to be about proof of concept and and tightening up what the offering is.

I could use a person to do all of that as well, lol.

In Italy, two partners who are childhood friends are turning the cashmere garment world upside down by offering superior quality garments direct to customers. At half the price.

They had the idea that it could be done. And found the people who could help them turn their idea into a business.

This is great. Did your friends have the money to outsource from the beginning or did they have to find funding? This is what I have to decide. If I start marketing and make a bunch of sales, I'm currently not streamlined to fill the orders, so I'll need to get my manufacturing and distribution figured out and then place a small order for samples to test the process. I'll want to pick a few brains who have done this sort of thing before. Know anyone?


Most people are bereft of ideas, Dave. Don't sell yourself short. It's ideas that change the world. There are more than enough people available in the world to help you execute them. ~Carol❤

Thanks for the great boost. I feel refreshed. :) Ideas and execution need to go hand in hand, but executing on a crap idea (i.e., an idea that doesn't make CENTS) doesn't benefit anyone. Tables aren't a new idea, but I do think I have some novel design features and a somewhat unique marketing angle which I'll bring to bear once I get this thing off the launch platform.

Thanks again Carol. You're awesome!
 

Dave Daily

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I admire your creativity and drive so much Dave.

But even more than that, I admire your honesty and lack of an inflated ego.

It takes a strong man to admit his weaknesses. I assure you, those will not be weaknesses for too long. I don't know too much about insurance, but I believe you are looking for a one million dollar umbrella policy. They're very common. Now that you know the lingo, just call any reputable insurance agent and they will know exactly what you need.

Your posts are terrific. Keep up the good work (!)

Thank you for that my friend. There are going to be quite a few early details like a business entity and insurance, etc. which I should have in place before I start selling too many tables. I've sold a couple and so far no lawsuits, but you never no.
 

Dave Daily

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the poll. I know that it was a lot of work for you to read through my rambling ideas and make a choice and I really appreciate you taking the time. I'm almost out of reputation points as a result—lol.

The poll closes in an hour and the victory goes to Vector Victory with Together Tables (that's the new name) coming in second. So what's my verdict?

[Drum Roll Please]

After much thought and a few weighted decision making matrices—here's my last one:
Screen Shot 2018-03-08 at 3.23.18 PM.png
I've opted to go with Together Tables!

There are several issues to consider including liability (thank you @eliquid ) and outsourcing of manufacturing and distribution (thank you @Carol Jones), but those things will come through process and kinetic execution.

So I think the next step needs to be an action plan in the form of a spreadsheet or trello board or something. The first thing I'd like to do is create a couple of tables with the typographic elements so I can have confidence in that part of the process. I've done a couple of tables, but without the type.

So that's the plan. From here on out, I will be posting progress toward my goals which are to:

  1. Make Together Tables into a force for good by creating a narrative around the humble yet potentially heroic TABLE as a touchstone | totem | talisman imbued with the magic of love, unity, and togetherness in the lives of families and organizations.
  2. Achieve sales of 7,000 units per year by the end of year 3 at ~$600 net profit per unit. This should put the asset value of Together Tables around $10MM by the end of year 5 or 6. Then sell.

I may be out of my mind, but these are the goals. Thanks again to everyone for your help. I look forward to your encouragement and criticisms.

Thanks,

Dave
 
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Together Tables ~ Day 1 ~ wherein I discuss my plans for my tiny workspace in my messy and tiny yard.

This video is embarrassing, but I want to share myself and my thoughts, so I can get feedback on what I need to work on both about me and my ideas. As an introvert, one of the things I need to know is how I'll handle putting myself out there more. If I come off as a little insane, lol, just know that I'm trying to put some energy into this, so it may not read as 100% natural. Thanks.


 
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Thanks again to everyone for your help. I look forward to your encouragement and criticisms.

Congratulation Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz!

You've made an excellent choice. It was my favourite.

Because.

It connects you to humanity. Which is one of the reasons you've given for choosing it as well. It allows you to develop a deep connection to the family. Or business. You're creating your table for. And is potentially an unstoppable word of mouth business.

This is a link you'll be very interested in. Home

Let me tell you the story of my table.

It's 41 years old. Was crafted by a talented carpenter. To order. For my partner. An architect. When we first met.

It's of solid pine. Very thick.

And after 41 years, is full of imperfections. Indentations. Scratches. Scuff marks.

But it's also rich in history.

It's where we entertained friends and family in our 41 years of being together.

It's where we've sat together. And planned our businesses.

First Victor's architectural practice in Sydney. My market research company.

And finally, our current business, The Fitz Like A Glove™ Ironing Board Cover And Other Goodies.

We have done the proverbial 'starting a business on the dining room table'. Three times.

It's where we cut out. And sewed. The first 500 Fitz Like A Glove™ Ironing Board Covers. Before we made the decision that this was a business. And I wanted it off the dining room table.

It's where we sit every breakfast. Lunch. And. Dinner. And discuss whatever is on our mind.

And every Saturday. When I wax it. I take a trip down memory lane. With every imperfection.

This table is so rich with the history of our life together, I could never part with it.

Regarding insurance.

We deal with a business insurance broker.

We have 4 types of insurance for our business.

Public Liability. Which covers us for AUD$20Million per claim. If anyone injures themselves with one of our products. Or injures themselves when we exhibit outside of our business. And if they injure themselves while visiting our business.

Business Insurance. Which covers us for any loss we may incur if for some reason we are prevented from operating our business. Or if our business equipment is damaged. Or stolen.

Transportation Insurance. Which covers our products against loss and damage. In the post and/or by courier delivery. When raw materials are shipped to our sewing company. When our sewing company ships finished product to us.

Property Insurance. Which cover us for burglary. Acts of God. Incidental damage.

These policies cost us AUD$12,000 per year. Which we pay $1,000 per month.

If you think this is excessive. Think of what will happen if you're not covered.

Every responsible business needs insurance of this type. It's a cost of doing business. And should be incorporated into your operating expenses.

Back to Together Tables. I love the name. And can see you - in the future - writing your book now, Mr Universe!

Thank you! For including us in your journey. It's been very exciting. And a learning experience for both you. And us.

You now walk so much taller. What you thought was a weakness. Is actually a skill that many people in this forum wish they had. The ability to create ideas.

Forward! Charge!! ~Carol❤
 

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This is great. Did your friends have the money to outsource from the beginning or did they have to find funding? This is what I have to decide. If I start marketing and make a bunch of sales, I'm currently not streamlined to fill the orders, so I'll need to get my manufacturing and distribution figured out and then place a small order for samples to test the process. I'll want to pick a few brains who have done this sort of thing before. Know anyone?

In your position, Dave @Hugh Nivers, since you're essentially making custom designed tables, it's possible to generate a cash upfront payment from your customer. Which you can then use to source raw materials. And make the product for your customer.

Yes. You'll need to be able to make prototypes. But you should be able to pay for this via credit card. Which is how most people start their small businesses. They may not admit it. But most people max out their credit cards in the prototype stage.

You could also see if the banks believe in you.

For crowdfunding, you need a large following. @JAJT has been successful with this in creating funding for his Bone Owl Puzzle business. Read his thread. I'm sure it can be of help.

Regarding paying your supplier, make sure your terms of payment are: payment is due 30 days in the following month in which you place your order. These are normal payment terms in Australia.

That's as far as I can help you, Dave. I hope this helps. ~Carol❤
 
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Thank you @Carol Jones.

This is a link you'll be very interested in. Home
Wow! I love the romance of the videos and images on that site. Thanks for pointing me to it. I like their backyard community concept. Very unique. I definitely use this for guidance and inspiration when designing the Together Tables site.


Let me tell you the story of my table.

It's 41 years old. Was crafted by a talented carpenter. To order. For my partner. An architect. When we first met.

It's of solid pine. Very thick.

And after 41 years, is full of imperfections. Indentations. Scratches. Scuff marks.

But it's also rich in history.

It's where we entertained friends and family in our 41 years of being together.

It's where we've sat together. And planned our businesses.

First Victor's architectural practice in Sydney. My market research company.

And finally, our current business, The Fitz Like A Glove™ Ironing Board Cover And Other Goodies.

We have done the proverbial 'starting a business on the dining room table'. Three times.

It's where we cut out. And sewed. The first 500 Fitz Like A Glove™ Ironing Board Covers. Before we made the decision that this was a business. And I wanted it off the dining room table.

It's where we sit every breakfast. Lunch. And. Dinner. And discuss whatever is on our mind.

And every Saturday. When I wax it. I take a trip down memory lane. With every imperfection.

This table is so rich with the history of our life together, I could never part with it.

Such a beautiful, personal, an intimate story. Thanks for sharing. You have demonstrated exactly what I want people to feel about their Together Table in time. You've also sparked a new idea which I've made note of. I won't get into it just yet; it's still fragile. ;)

Regarding insurance.

We deal with a business insurance broker.

We have 4 types of insurance for our business.

Public Liability. Which covers us for AUD$20Million per claim. If anyone injures themselves with one of our products. Or injures themselves when we exhibit outside of our business. And if they injure themselves while visiting our business.

Business Insurance. Which covers us for any loss we may incur if for some reason we are prevented from operating our business. Or if our business equipment is damaged. Or stolen.

Transportation Insurance. Which covers our products against loss and damage. In the post and/or by courier delivery. When raw materials are shipped to our sewing company. When our sewing company ships finished product to us.

Property Insurance. Which cover us for burglary. Acts of God. Incidental damage.

These policies cost us AUD$12,000 per year. Which we pay $1,000 per month.

If you think this is excessive. Think of what will happen if you're not covered.

Every responsible business needs insurance of this type. It's a cost of doing business. And should be incorporated into your operating expenses.

Yes. I understand. I've have to start shopping for it. Thank you.

Back to Together Tables. I love the name. And can see you - in the future - writing your book now, Mr Universe!

Thank you! For including us in your journey. It's been very exciting. And a learning experience for both you. And us.

You now walk so much taller. What you thought was a weakness. Is actually a skill that many people in this forum wish they had. The ability to create ideas.

Forward! Charge!! ~Carol❤

Geez Carol. You're a bright light. Thank you for your encouragement. I hope you're around for a long time to come.
 

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In your position, Dave @Hugh Nivers, since you're essentially making custom designed tables, it's possible to generate a cash upfront payment from your customer. Which you can then use to source raw materials. And make the product for your customer.

Yes. You'll need to be able to make prototypes. But you should be able to pay for this via credit card. Which is how most people start their small businesses. They may not admit it. But most people max out their credit cards in the prototype stage.

You could also see if the banks believe in you.

For crowdfunding, you need a large following. @JAJT has been successful with this in creating funding for his Bone Owl Puzzle business. Read his thread. I'm sure it can be of help.

Regarding paying your supplier, make sure your terms of payment are: payment is due 30 days in the following month in which you place your order. These are normal payment terms in Australia.

That's as far as I can help you, Dave. I hope this helps. ~Carol❤

Great advice all the way around. Thanks for the tip about @JAJT. I went by his site earlier today. Fun concept. I'll definitely need to pick his brain about crowdsourcing. Thx again.
 

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Speaking of the tables and puzzles from @JAJT. I found this brilliant coffee table plan and I was thinking of seeing if my brother in law can build it for me. I might need to bribe him with more cigars though.

There's a ton of cool stuff you can do with a table and families especially will see the value in a well designed table. My parents had a table in the den which had a top with a hinge that lifted up. My sister and I loved that table growing up. It was the perfect spot for HW, reading, watching TV, eating dinner. I actually think my sister still has that table somewhere. Anyway, I'm really excited to see what you do with this. Tables can really help add value to someone's home especially in tiny apartments or condos where there isn't a ton of space.

Coffee-Table-with-Puzzle-Pullout.jpg
Source : DIY Coffee Table With Pullouts - Home Made By Carmona
 
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Together Tables ~ Day 1 ~ wherein I discuss my plans for my tiny workspace in my messy and tiny yard.

This video is embarrassing, but I want to share myself and my thoughts, so I can get feedback on what I need to work on both about me and my ideas. As an introvert, one of the things I need to know is how I'll handle putting myself out there more. If I come off as a little insane, lol, just know that I'm trying to put some energy into this, so it may not read as 100% natural. Thanks.



Nothing to be embarrassed about, I do like the video and you got yourself a subscriber on your YouTube channel.

At the moment I'm reading unscripted and this reminds of the Kaizen principle described in chapter 19. No problem you're a introvert (like myself) with a growth mindset it's possible to bypass this just by doing it. Not to become extroverted but learning how to deal with it. Just another example how @mjdemarco his books and the forum complete eachother and inspire certain people like yourself who have it in them.

I'm following your progress closely and am enjoying it. Also because after I'm done with unscripted I'll join the insiders and post my own progress thread (getting out of my comfort zone will be the hardest part). Anyway you're a inspiration to me. Just keep on doing what you're doing and you'll get there. [emoji106]
 

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Nothing to be embarrassed about, I do like the video and you got yourself a subscriber on your YouTube channel.

At the moment I'm reading unscripted and this reminds of the Kaizen principle described in chapter 19. No problem you're a introvert (like myself) with a growth mindset it's possible to bypass this just by doing it. Not to become extroverted but learning how to deal with it. Just another example how @mjdemarco his books and the forum complete eachother and inspire certain people like yourself who have it in them.

I'm following your progress closely and am enjoying it. Also because after I'm done with unscripted I'll join the insiders and post my own progress thread (getting out of my comfort zone will be the hardest part). Anyway you're a inspiration to me. Just keep on doing what you're doing and you'll get there. [emoji106]

Thanks @Jello ,

Kaizen is definitely my approach to this—one small step at a time.

I appreciate the encouragement and I'm glad to have you along for the journey. Let me now how I can help you out. Do you have any ideas you're ready to get to work on yet?
 
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Speaking of the tables and puzzles from @JAJT. I found this brilliant coffee table plan and I was thinking of seeing if my brother in law can build it for me. I might need to bribe him with more cigars though.

There's a ton of cool stuff you can do with a table and families especially will see the value in a well designed table. My parents had a table in the den which had a top with a hinge that lifted up. My sister and I loved that table growing up. It was the perfect spot for HW, reading, watching TV, eating dinner. I actually think my sister still has that table somewhere. Anyway, I'm really excited to see what you do with this. Tables can really help add value to someone's home especially in tiny apartments or condos where there isn't a ton of space.

View attachment 18507
Source : DIY Coffee Table With Pullouts - Home Made By Carmona

That's a great table and it's giving me ideas. ;)

Thanks for sharing your table story. I love it. It goes to show just how central this one piece of furniture can be in people's lives. I wonder if people feel the same away about their couches, lol.
 

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After deciding on the business, my ToDo list just got very long, so my first order of business is to establish some order. ;)


TASK ORGANIZER
 
Last edited:

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This past week my son and I completed a table (95% complete anyway). It's not terrible, but it's not great. There are lots of flaws. We're both noobs at this, but we're enjoying the process. When I envision the goals that we've set and I place this week's efforts into that context, the progress feels glacially slow, especially when the results are subpar. Still, we have a table now.

In this video, awkwardness abounds, lol. Enjoy:


IMG_6765.jpeg

There are some exposed bolts that we forgot to countersink the hole for, so we'll be hacking a solution for that as well. I'll put a picture of the 100% finished table soon.
 
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I'll probably regret putting this video up, but I look at doing so as an exercise in facing my fears. In this video, I sit on my couch and pontificate about fun things such as "Rep Envy" and learning to overcome selfish tendencies. [Spoiler alert] The learning isn't done yet.

I also dip into next steps for Together Tables now that our last table project is just about finished.

 

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This past week my son and I completed a table (95% complete anyway). It's not terrible, but it's not great. There are lots of flaws. We're both noobs at this, but we're enjoying the process. When I envision the goals that we've set and I place this week's efforts into that context, the progress feels glacially slow, especially when the results are subpar. Still, we have a table now.

In this video, awkwardness abounds, lol. Enjoy:


View attachment 18541

There are some exposed bolts that we forgot to countersink the hole for, so we'll be hacking a solution for that as well. I'll put a picture of the 100% finished table soon.

G'day Dave @Hugh Nivers from Oz,

I saw the video. Liked it. It's raw. But true.

If this is something you desire. And want to do. As Napoleon Hill says, "Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."

And remember. You're not going to be making them into infinity. Once you know what's required of making a table, you'll be outsourcing it to professionals more skilled than you are. But you need to know how it's made. Before you can hand it over to someone else. Just so that you know the process.

This is exactly what we did with all our products. We made the first 'X' amount. Before handing it over to a sewing company. Just so we knew the problems they may have.

This is just the beginning. And you're doing just fine. ~Carol❤
 

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