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Much change has occurred in the past year in the window coverings industry and most of it has been for the better. The people and businesses that today comprise this creative industry are producing the best-looking window decorations that have ever been available.
Fabrics, materials and colors are at an all-time high in variety and availability and give designers and decorators the best tools to achieve the most satisfying solutions for both residential and contract clients. New products, motorization and customer acceptance of creative ideas have made this a time of great opportunity for selling profitable projects. I was recently in a commercial project and thought how times have changed since I sold contract window coverings. (Okay, I admit, it's been a while!) This recently renovated "chic" hotel had "puddled" draperies on every window (hundreds, in fact) and as I absorbed the stunning and dramatic effect these luxurious treatments made, I couldn't help but think two things:
- what a huge, additional amount of expensive fabric this treatment used;
- and, once upon a time, this effect would have been the basis for a major complaint in the days of yore: mismeasuring. Times change.
Professionals in our business today have the opportunity to be making more money than ever before. The economy is great in many areas of the country. Manufacturers and distributors are delivering products faster than ever before and the selection of beautiful, functional and profitable window coverings solutions is tremendously diverse.
Yet despite all these changes and options, what makes the difference between success and so-so business is the same as it's always been (it never changes):
people -- you and your staff. So as 1997 fades away and 1998 is ushered in . . . the story remains: The more things change, the more they stay the same.
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