I have a little pressure washing and painting business. I enjoy making things appear new again, refreshing them. And I'm good at it. It's how I make a living. This winter has been rough. Winters always are in this kind of business, but this year seems to be the slowest I have ever seen. I haven't had a job to do in the past 2 1/2 weeks, which is really crushing me financially. Mainly because I am only able to save enough money through out the year to float myself for about a month during the winter season. Here in Wilmington, NC the winters are usually very mild, with many 60 and 70 degree days. This year has not been like that at all. Our average temp the past month or so has been around 45 degrees. We even had a bad ice storm roll through here a week or so ago.
Well, I'm not one that sits on the sidelines, waiting for something to happen. I try to contribute to their happening. So, I have spent a bit of time, making some really good graphics to use as a part of the advertising I do on Craigslist, and a few other online directories and indexes. People seem to be using the internet more these days to find what they want, than they use the phone book. It's at least occupying my time, instead of sitting in a bunch of fear and financial insecurity.
Today I am grateful that winters don't last forever and spring is not so far away. When people spend time outside, around their home is when I get a good dose of solid work. They aren't just running from their car into the warmth of their house to get out of the wet or cold. It's when they are mowing their grass, washing their car in the driveway, fixing a childs bicycle, planting some flowers, etc that they are outside, and their homes condition gets their attention. Then my phone starts ringing a few times a day. It's during the spring that I also put fliers in the newspaper box, below peoples mail box. So, all things considered, I do what I can and then, I just have to trust the results to my HP.
What I have found is that my HP never shows up late. He might push things into the 11th hour, and show up at 11:59, but He never shows up at 12:01. Always on time with what I need. Today, I'm getting a little bit fearful... so I need to keep leaning on my trust in Him and doing my part. I was once told..."you and God are on a two seater bicycle. He steers and you peddle. If you don't do the foot work, you are not going to get any where because He steers, He don't peddle". Well, I have been trying to do the foot work, and he has surely provided me the time to do it this winter, so now I am going to turn it all over to his care and get on with the rest of this day.
Here are a few examples of the graphics I have made in the past few weeks. I like how they show up as a slideshow on the message board, I think its pretty cool.
Hi John,
Your ads are great! That might be something you would want to keep in mind during your slow times--developing ads for other folks in your area, as you are very good.
I wish you the best of luck and hope the sales pour in for you!
John, I'm impressed with how you're taking the actions you can take and not wasting your winter slow time with fretting and wringing your hands. Looks like an attitude for success to me. I admire you. Yes, the pictures do look good. Mike D.