Nerve or Fact

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Gary Max

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Joined
Oct 30, 2004
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You walk into a Woodworking store---get your pile of items go to the register when you notice the sales person has a Cigar pen in his shirt pocket.
Of course you start talking pens and just happen to have your high end sample case with you. First words that come to mind---here are a few of my pens ---I am one of the best pen makers in the country. The sales clerk is floored by your workmanship having never seem pens of this quality before.
Did you have a lot of nerve or is it just a fact????????
 
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LOL, I was in the local Rocklers a while back and the clerk started showing me the worse pens I have ever seen. My 10 year old daughter did better on her first try. I just did not have the heart to show him the rosewood burl Jr Gent that was in my pocket and used the counter top bic to sign the receipt. Gary in your case it's not nerve you can justifiably be proud of the pens you make. Even so whats wrong with a little nerve. If you don't strut your stuff no one else will.
 
If you're going to sell your pens, you SHOULD be proud of your product and proud to show them off. Success goes to people who are not afraid to actively promote themselves and what they do. Nothing wrong with your encounter at the store.

Cheers.
 
Originally posted by jughead

My granddaddy always said....

"It's a sorry dog that don't wag it's own tail"
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In Texas we say, "It's not bragging if you can back it up."

I wouldn't hesitate to show off my pen if it was nicer than the clerk's.
 
We had somewhat of a similar experience at our local WoodCraft store. This clerk's cigar look like he tried to polish it with snot. I doubt he knew the difference of over or under turned. We showed him an example of a well turned pen with a quality finish and he just didn't get it. You can lead a horse to water, and some of them you should just drown!

At Rockler we have had the Demo guy, Bill B and also an IAP member, show our pens to people watching his intructions and tell them this is what to strive for.
 
I've got a lot of nerve. It takes a lot of nerve to say that doesn't it?

What about when you are exhibiting at your local craft fair for the first time. The old gentleman who has been selling pens at this event for the last 10 years is there again. You have been out scouting and know that he sells only slims with wax finishes that have become very dull because they have been in his case for months or years, and they are made out of boring wood.

Near the end of the show he stops at your booth and gives you some sincere advice about how you won't be able to sell those expensive cigars, sierras, and especially not the barons, so you should stick to slims. He also points out that you need to bring more pens to a show.

Would you have the heart to tell him that the reason you are low on pens to sell is because you sold most of what you brought?

I don't have that much nerve.
 
Originally posted by Gary Max
...First words that come to mind---here are a few of my pens ---I am one of the best pen makers in the country....
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Was that written as intended or was it supposed to be an OR question as in:

First words that come to mind:

here are a few of my pens
- OR -
I am one of the best pen makers in the country

???

Second, is this a factual event or hypothetical?

Third, did you sell any pens while you were there?; 'cause that's really all that matters!!!! [}:)]
 
Originally posted by Chasper
...Near the end of the show he stops at your booth and gives you some sincere advice ...
Would you have the heart to tell him that the reason you are low on pens to sell is because you sold most of what you brought?
I don't have that much nerve.
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You're a kind and generous soul. ;)
 
Near the end of the show he stops at your booth and gives you some sincere advice about how you won't be able to sell those expensive cigars, sierras, and especially not the barons, so you should stick to slims. He also points out that you need to bring more pens to a show.

Would you have the heart to tell him that the reason you are low on pens to sell is because you sold most of what you brought?
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I would thank him for his advice and tell him I hope to see him again at the next show. You probably sold more because he was there.:)
 
Originally posted by Chasper


Snipo

Near the end of the show he stops at your booth and gives you some sincere advice about how you won't be able to sell those expensive cigars, sierras, and especially not the barons, so you should stick to slims. He also points out that you need to bring more pens to a show.

Would you have the heart to tell him that the reason you are low on pens to sell is because you sold most of what you brought?

I don't have that much nerve.
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I'd put on my most hang-dog-look, smile and say "You're absolutely right, next time I'll bring more pens."
 
Last fall my family went to a fairly large craft fair and ran into a penmaker's display...they had about 150-200 pens on display and were very eager to talk about the workmanship and qualities of their pens. I did not have the heart to take my "carry pen" out of my pocket because it trumped everything on display. (and yes, I am very aware of my limitations as a penmaker;)). On the other hand, I would be more willing to share with the Woodcraft/Rockler salesperson as they are usually people looking to improve the workmanship of their pens and open to "suggestions."
 
Originally posted by Gary Max

First words that come to mind---here are a few of my pens ---I am one of the best pen makers in the country. The sales clerk is floored by your workmanship having never seem pens of this quality before.
Did you have a lot of nerve or is it just a fact????????
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Neither. It is arrogant and insecure. Just show him the pens and let him draw his own conclusions.

Malcolm Tibbetts is one of the best segmented turners in the world. But I'm sure he does not go around touting this fact to everyone. You just need to see his work to know it.

If you need to be telling anyone that you are the best in anything then maybe you are not. Generally if you are the best in something there will be enough people saying it, that it would be redundant for you to say it.
 
For me, it would be neither nerve nor fact - just delusion. I could claim to be the best pen maker in my household, or maybe one of the best on my street, but I'm nowhere near best in the state, let alone country.

That's ok though. I still enjoy making pens, and take pride in my craft.

Regards,
Eric
 
Anyone remember Mad magazine.
One of my favorite graphics was a street with three pizza parlors.
They each have a sign, and the signs read (first, second and third):

"The Best Pizza in the City"
"The Best Pizza in the World"
"The Best Pizza on the Block"

The crowd is lined up in front of the third pizza parlor.

:D:D[8D]
 
Personally, I think that telling someone that you are one of the best penmakers in the country is to me a profoundly arrogant statement. Unless you have a gold medal from the penmaker's olympics or something, or maybe corporate sponsorship from Berea or some big pepsi endorsement deal.... Oh wait. This isn't a competition. My bad.

Big difference between pride and arrogance.
 
Originally posted by Aderhammer

At my woodcraft store the one man is pretty talented, alot of older men work their and it's kind of unusual seeing a 14 year old giving a 55 year old man tips on how to get a successful ca finish
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This kinda reminds me of a joke of a man re-locating his newly computerized accounting business near a Jr-Hi / Hi-school so he could get some free computer help. :D
 
Originally posted by Aderhammer

At my woodcraft store the one man is pretty talented, alot of older men work their and it's kind of unusual seeing a 14 year old giving a 55 year old man tips on how to get a successful ca finish
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The 55 year old man, who would as least listen to a 14 yr old is the wise one.

I really don't think Gary said those words, he might have been thinking them though [}:)]
 
I hope that wasn't said. That may have been the best that the man was capable of, or it may have been a gift. I carry a pen made by my 11 year old and if someone insulted it, I may take offense to the statement. And god forbid he was there to hear it. I tend not to carry my highest end pens anyways, just a nice clean uncomplicated pen (you never know when you will lose one). I try not to insult someone else, unless of course I am looking for a fight. :D
Johnnie

After rereading Gary's post, he thought it and did not say it.
 
Originally posted by GBusardo

Originally posted by Aderhammer

At my woodcraft store the one man is pretty talented, alot of older men work their and it's kind of unusual seeing a 14 year old giving a 55 year old man tips on how to get a successful ca finish
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The 55 year old man, who would as least listen to a 14 yr old is the wise one.

I really don't think Gary said those words, he might have been thinking them though [}:)]
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At my woodcraft though i'm treated like an adult which is nice, i can have meaningful woodworking conversations and not be babied which i'm sure someplaces would do *rolls eyes*
 
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