More Editorial

Editorial

Not Just Cloning Around

by John A. Clark

The incredible scientific breakthrough that recently has dominated headlines and news shows -- the cloning of a lamb in Scotland -- reportedly has the potential to change the world. But wait a minute, as an industry we may be way ahead of everybody else. We already have seen a lot of cloning here in our own back yard. We saw it first in mini-blinds, then it spread to verticals, pleated shades, shutters and virtually everything else. We have been there, done that. But it's not "clones" that cause really great things to happen, it's originality and creativeness. The great role so many of you play in our business is in the creative application you achieve with the many diverse window covering products and accessories. The opportunity to enhance your creative ability is right around the corner -- actually the corner is in Orlando, FL, where you have the chance to visit the World of Window Coverings[TM], Hometextil Americas and the more than 200 suppliers who will be there offering the products that really are the tools of your trade. The variety and selection of colorings, shadings and patterns have reached an all-time high in virtually every product group. The ability to achieve a very customized interior window fashion has never been more within the reach of every decorator and designer. The products you choose to feature in your creations to show, tell and sell to each and every customer you encounter are the keys to your creative and business success. Adding to this impressive cast of characters is the magic of motorization, which will become a normal inclusion in an ever-greater percentage of presentations and sales. Consumers will get used to this enhancement for window decoration and functionality, and there will be big profit benefits for the professionals who lead the way with this technology. Over the years literally thousands of seminars have been presented at the World of Window Coverings; you may have attended a few. I have had the chance to meet several thousand of attendees, and it is fair to say that those who show the greatest enthusiasm for their career choice are those who have chosen to get involved in shows and seminars. Yes, it is expensive; but so often dividends are gained immediately that pay-off many times over the years. If you meet one good new contact, enhance your friendship or business relationship with a current supplier, learn one new idea or method to give you a new approach to your presentations, then you have made a worthwhile investment of your time and money. From time-to-time you will meet cynics who declare there is nothing new in the industry, and usually they also complain about suppliers and prices and business . . . and just about everything else. Well let's hope they don't get cloned. We hope you take the time to learn how to be more creative and original at the original World of Window Coverings show.