So here I am, the last day before I officially enter the last year in my 20's. I must be getting old since I actually sat down to participate in a slot tourney....
But what should I type about? So many things are popping in my head but when my fingers are set to type it, nothing flows. Maybe I should just do an update of everything that's happening for I LOB.
I've been meaning to be more open on this blog just because I need a "release." I hit rock bottom July 2012 after my mom fell ill. Now that I'm getting better things are really picking up for the company I've been trying to start since September 2011.
It's March 2013 so a lot of time passed since the initial idea. I wanted the company to be called Savee (save + savvy) but now it's I LOB. I LOB stands for Independent Locally-Owned Business. As you can see I love to pun words because its.... fun.
We went from a team of 5 to 3. The two that stayed are my girlfriend B and bestfriend J. I believe we are on to something meaningful. People I talk business with often ask:
How are you going to make money?My response:
blank stare - well we have a mobile tech (J)
The reason I can't answer how we're going to make money is because this company was built on doing social good. I've already lived the high life - bought dream car, not so dreamy home and splurged - but now that it's been 2 years since I made legit income, I don't really care about making money.
Sure we need to be sustainable... I'm not worried.
Why?
Once we submitted our paperwork to Sacramento, I told the team that I have no excuse but to start approaching business owners. So the first business owner we needed to connect with is a printer. We needed business cards but one way we are planning to help I LOBs is by providing them with signage.
Of course we are targeting print shop owners who are socially responsible and are proud to be locally-owned. I targeted two in Dublin/Pleasanton but got no interest - not sure if it's racial, or I look young and therefore a person not to take serious. Then I visited one in Hayward near B's house. It turns out the owner is Filipino... Jackpot right?
I walk in and the guy tells me that it's his son that handles business card inquiries. Well his son isn't around, so I ask him when he will be:
Next week.
That was that....
The 5th owner I approached is random because I was visiting my sister in Union City. I did some Yelp searches - based on location - and found 4 different print shops. Somehow I decided to call Action Litho. The owner himself picked up and told me to come over and swing by. It turns out the address on Yelp is for correspondence only so I'm glad I picked up the habit of calling before going.
When I arrive at the address it's a residential area. So I'm confused as hell... but then Warren Grayson the owner of Action Litho opens his door and welcomes me in. It turns out he is in transition - moving to a new facility closer to home in Hayard.
Long story short - B, J and I got free business cards and have access to an owner who understands what we're about to do. Warren is now an asset we have and together we'll be making positive change in the Bay Area.
There's more to update but this post got way too long.
