Hmmm What to do What to do

Robroy

Robroy

Robin Dodson
Silver Member
Hello Everyone,

So I'm sitting here "No Sales today" wondering....what can I do. I love creating jobs for myself...but I am stumped at the moment.
I had while on Tour:
Robin Bell Sportswear
The Frog and Tadpole Jump Cue
Robin Dodson Collection of Cues (stores didn't sell jump cues very well)
And now....things have slowed down to almost a halt.

I am wondering how about starting a pool league? Well anyway that is why I am having you hearing my thoughts today. I played in I think 1 league in my life, I never really went to bars being that I always played on the Big Table.
I don't know, I wish I could fall back on this awesome education I had....but... that didn't happen.
Any ideas?

Robin
www.robindodson.com
 
Other than pool I don't know what experience you have. So, really depends on what your qualified to do.
BTW- I still have a frog jump cue. It doesn't get used much but I still have it. Buying it from you and your husband was quite entertaining. I still remember you saying "don't try to make the ball, just try to hit it". I was having a great time.
 
tucson9ball said:
Other than pool I don't know what experience you have. So, really depends on what your qualified to do.
BTW- I still have a frog jump cue. It doesn't get used much but I still have it. Buying it from you and your husband was quite entertaining. I still remember you saying "don't try to make the ball, just try to hit it". I was having a great time.
Click to expand...

I still love going to the shows...I guess all the skills I have are natural not taught. I think I can sell, I've been working my whole life I just never worked for anyone before.

My son Robert has read many books on selling, and when we talk about business he has said what I'm talking about is in the books.

My biggest thing is I'm just bored... I have always loved being in action, some kind of action. Since I don't gamble creating an income out of nothing has been a blast! Wow, I guess I would be considered a whinner right now :)
 
Dear Robin:

I have always been enjoying the entertainments you provided at various shows in the past. You really have the personality to demonstrate things well, in a warm and non-intimating manner.

I think you should try doing a demo videos and teaching people how to jump, especially female players and junior players. This will help people to learn more about you and understand your products better.

Here is an video example by Tom Simpson, a great billiard instructor and writer:
http://talk.cuetable.com/showthread.php?p=646#post646

On a side note, please check out CueTable Demo Video which we just made: http://talk.cuetable.com/DemoVideo.php
 
Well I have your frog and tadpole jump cues, and I love them! The problem is they last forever, so there's no need to ever buy another one. So I assume everyone now has them, hence your stagnating sales.

I got mine from you at the Super Billiard Expo about 5 years ago. Hope you will be there again this year.

I'm sure whatever you decide to put your energy into, you will continue to be successful.
Best of luck,
Steve
 
beetle said:
Well I have your frog and tadpole jump cues, and I love them! The problem is they last forever, so there's no need to ever buy another one. So I assume everyone now has them, hence your stagnating sales.

I got mine from you at the Super Billiard Expo about 5 years ago. Hope you will be there again this year.

I'm sure whatever you decide to put your energy into, you will continue to be successful.
Best of luck,
Steve
Click to expand...


Yes we will be there, we started our Raffle for the Gold Crown V early this year... will have tickets there too. We always do the Gold Crown Raffle at the BCA event but the way the things are going I thought it best to get a head start on ticket sells. How beautiful is this table! I have the IV even though I don't play anymore I don't have the heart to lose the table http://www.robindodson.com/Brunswick_Raffle.htm
 
That is a beautiful table. Although it says drop pockets on the official info, pic has ball return. Anyway, I will get ticket in May at BCA. See ya there.
 
tucson9ball said:
That is a beautiful table. Although it says drop pockets on the official info, pic has ball return. Anyway, I will get ticket in May at BCA. See ya there.
Click to expand...


Good Catch, I didn't notice that
 
Phone Number

For those who did get a ticket I sent an e-mail to please send me your phone number. Pay Pal doesn't have a place for it apparantly. I want to call the winner right after the drawing.
2 people I have not recieved their number yet, not sure if they are here.

Thomas Ward
Inder Lopez

my e-mail address is robindodson@ix.netcom.com
Just confirm your address to me when you call for ID
 
Robin -

We met at the SBE the past few years talking about my daughters' infatuation with your son. I would think that has to be a viable market still (selling autographed pictures, cues, cases, etc...). I know I am looking forward to seeing what you will have at the SBE. In fact, I would love to place an order for a personalized 8x10 for each of my girls. I look forward to seeing you at the event.
 
Robroy said:
Hello Everyone,

So I'm sitting here "No Sales today" wondering....what can I do. I love creating jobs for myself...but I am stumped at the moment.
I had while on Tour:
Robin Bell Sportswear
The Frog and Tadpole Jump Cue
Robin Dodson Collection of Cues (stores didn't sell jump cues very well)
And now....things have slowed down to almost a halt.

I am wondering how about starting a pool league? Well anyway that is why I am having you hearing my thoughts today. I played in I think 1 league in my life, I never really went to bars being that I always played on the Big Table.
I don't know, I wish I could fall back on this awesome education I had....but... that didn't happen.
Any ideas?

Robin
www.robindodson.com
Click to expand...

Would you want a pool room?
 
Why not get into teaching. You've done a great job teaching people to jummp at valley forge. Several pros are now getting into traveling and doing mini schools. Why not try to hook up with some other pros and do the same.
Running a league can be rough. It is hard to rank players without the constant bickering about players sandbagging. It can be a real headache.
 
Two thoughts - A pool room or a billiard supply. Stick with businesses you know. Robin, you are a people person so you would do well in either business.

I've opened four rooms, so I would be glad to consult with you. The trick is finding the right location at the right price (rent), getting the necessary licenses and finding the right help.
 
macguy said:
Would you want a pool room?
Click to expand...

Funny you would say that, being that I was just talking to the Lord about it this morning.
However the Room I'm praying about has a different twist. Being a Christian and LOVING my church. I still see something of need there, friends. It is so easy to pop in and pop out.

My husband and I started a pool league at church and it was Over the Top...I could not believe how well it went. But the coolest thing....I know 32 people that I didn't before the league.

I would love to open a non profit room (just so I keep my motive right, I do love the cash). I just think so many people in church would be able to build friendships just like we have "around a pool table".

Anyway Roy and I have been praying about this for many years, just this morning though I said "I'm ready now".

So yes that would be something to do, desire is there, all the other componets need to line up next.
 
Last edited:
Robroy said:
I still love going to the shows...I guess all the skills I have are natural not taught. I think I can sell, I've been working my whole life I just never worked for anyone before.

My son Robert has read many books on selling, and when we talk about business he has said what I'm talking about is in the books.

My biggest thing is I'm just bored... I have always loved being in action, some kind of action. Since I don't gamble creating an income out of nothing has been a blast! Wow, I guess I would be considered a whinner right now :)
Click to expand...

You have always been a winner and always will be.

Wy did you give it up so young? 29 is way to young to stop???
 
Robroy said:
Funny you would say that, being that I was just talking to the Lord about it this morning.
However the Room I'm praying about has a different twist. Being a Christian and LOVING my church. I still see something of need there, friends. It is so easy to pop in and pop out.

My husband and I started a pool league and it was Over the Top...I could not believe how well it went. But the coolest thing....I know 32 people that I didn't before the league.

I would love to open a non profit room (just so I keep my motive right, I do love the cash). I just think so many people in church would be able to build friendships just like we have "around a pool table".

Anyway Roy and I have been praying about this for many years, just this morning though I said "I'm ready now".

So yes that would be something to do, desire is there, all the other componets need to line up next.
Click to expand...
I would start putting a business plan down on paper. Now may be a perfect time to open a pool room. A few years ago I was looking at a place to rent. Today the building is still empty and I can buy it for $60,000 if I want. 2.5 time what it would have cost me a year for rent back then. Used equipment can be picked up over a brief time for like 10 or 20 cents on the dollar. In a short time you will have everything you need in a warehouse down to the last glass and paid for.

The tables don't all have to match or even be the same size, just be good quality. The mistake many guys make is they want to open some kind of monument to themselves and get so deep in the hole right off the bat they never see daylight. I helped a friend open a place about 10 years ago and we got everything from a shopping center that was being torn down. Lights, wall paneling ceiling tiles, carpet, bathroom fixtures, bar equipment, sinks everything for "Zero". The pool tables came from the classified. This place cost like nothing to open. By the way, the place I had looked at a few years ago that I can buy now, used to be a church. I kind of thought that was cool.

This is in a dry county I am talking about and I would have to have something extra with the pool since I can't sell beer. Maybe a pool/pizza combo or ice cream parlor, frozen yogurt what ever. The main thing is the nut has to be in line. You have to be able to survive in even bad times. You should be making a living in average times and if it really goes you have a gold mine. Most guys have a nut so high they need to do a land office business just to make a living and in bad time they go broke.
I am not just talking by the way, although I may have over simplified it a little, I have used this formula and opened two places, It works. Used equipment, manageable nut, no partners, no debt. Opening a pool room, a real pool room, clean, friendly, is not brain surgery. Just food for thought.
 
Last edited:
jay helfert said:
Two thoughts - A pool room or a billiard supply. Stick with businesses you know. Robin, you are a people person so you would do well in either business.

I've opened four rooms, so I would be glad to consult with you. The trick is finding the right location at the right price (rent), getting the necessary licenses and finding the right help.
Click to expand...

Pool seems to be at an all time low right now not to sure it is the right business to be getting into.
I do like the idea of doing something within the church...actually after the league Roy and I had for the church we had a Championship Tournament...handicap of course and our pastor won...it was perfect!
He asked if we were planning on doing the league again. So many of us made friendships I think I would love to go along those lines...time will tell, more is to be revealed.
 
metallicane said:
Robin -

We met at the SBE the past few years talking about my daughters' infatuation with your son. I would think that has to be a viable market still (selling autographed pictures, cues, cases, etc...). I know I am looking forward to seeing what you will have at the SBE. In fact, I would love to place an order for a personalized 8x10 for each of my girls. I look forward to seeing you at the event.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure, what is the SBE? I haven't really found the right nitch for Drake's products. Hopefully dropping the prices they will move at the BCA event...be looking for a killer sale.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top