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Opinions on seminars
lovinlife	12-18-2009 08:00:44
Member Posts: 2 Joined: 10-28-2009	I would like some opinions on seminars given by manufactures. Am I the only one that feels like I have been handed a fishing pole and driven to the lake and told how many fish I could catch if I used the proper lure at the proper time and if I practice using each lure and practice casting each lure I could be a great fisherman. Here is a stove and this is what we cook on, and here is a cookbook where you can read about recipes, and the supermarket is where you can buy groceries, now go apply to a gourmet restaurant as a head chef and cook some gourmet food. By the way I'm only a phone call away if you need anything. I feel like I'm trying to perform heart surgery for the first time. Its easy, just make a couple little incisions and you will be fine. Seems to me there is more to it than just going to a few classes and making a few sample boards. I know people go out and claim they can do things (fake it till ya make it) but I'm not that type of person. I like to know what I'm doing and feel confidant before I take on work. I'm not looking to rile anyone's feathers, just looking for opinions. Maybe I just don't have confidence in myself or I care too much about what I do. What are your thoughts. Dave.

itsreallyconc	12-18-2009 08:50:24
Member Posts: 342 Joined: 09-29-2009	you don't learn how to run a backhoe unless you're sitting at the controls, dave,,, same w/the powercurber,,, that's why the most important piece of equipment you've got is the cell phone - hopefully on your distributor's net so the calls're free,,, both of the guys you sat thru know their stuff albeit 1 more'n the other 'cause he's been in for yrs & has worn knees on his jeans + callous'd hands. confidence is good virtue & caring's a must but the biggest & best virtue getting off your ass & start handing out cards/flyers for newbies ;-) feel free to call - you're welcome to use my equip. best [the original] just-my-thoughts yic-yac

lovinlife	12-18-2009 10:02:34
Member Posts: 2 Joined: 10-28-2009	Well that's kinda the point. I would have guys come to the job site fresh out of operators school claiming they could operate equipment. None could hit the ground with the bucket as they say. If I felt I could train them then I would hire them, and train them for months and sometimes years before they were ready to work safely and productively and put out quality work. (unsupervised) 99% didn't get hired because they just didn't understand all that was involved. Just because you can drive it (I used to love that one,I can drive anything out here) doesn't mean you can operate it. Big difference. No 6 wk training school can teach someone to operate equipment. 12 hours of watching someone show you what their product can do and its uses cant prepare you to go out and produce the work. Decorative concrete is no different. I could bring a guy out to a construction site and show hm backhoes and dozers and loaders,I can get up on them and show him what they are used for and what they can do, but that in no way makes them qualified to operate equipment. Good operators make it look easy. I appreciate the offer but its not the tools I lack its the knowledge. Dave.

Dr"J"	12-18-2009 10:59:49
My Gallery Member Posts: 330 Joined: --	Welcome to the trade!!! I've been doing concrete for over 20 years and every decorative job I've finished helps in my learning curve... it never stops. You will never plateau in this field. the best advertising is doing projects around your house, then your brother-in-laws, then your relatives. You will learn to work with your products and see what they do. And be up front with people.. don't come across as an expert. tell them where you are in respects to your craft and skill level and learn to coach them in their expectations. One way I got general contractors to try toppings and acid staining etc is by offering to install at my cost. No freebies, and no losses that way. starting out by yourself, you will learn how to break up work into sizes that you can handle by yourself. It can be done and that way you keep the control till you want to go bigger.

Alexwright	12-19-2009 01:36:10
Member Posts: 76 Joined: 03-24-2009	I went to a real good school at Engrave A Crete and I told myself when I went I was going to jump in and learn all I could while I was there because when I left I would be all alone back home. When they asked who was first, I was shameless and jumped in, if I was to mess up, oh well that was the place to do it and learn and ask questions. One guy there I got to talk to quite often looked at me and said when you get back home your going to be ready and ready I was. I knew I could do it BUT, at school is a different story, alot of things asre done for you and are being talked through the steps. Well I was handing out flyers before I got my equipment and when my trailer and equipment arrived I did the driveway where I RENT. As I was still working my other job I worked on it in my spare time. It took me 3 weeks with some rain in the middle and some days that I did not touch it.

Alexwright	12-19-2009 01:49:23
Member Posts: 76 Joined: 03-24-2009	In all it was probably two weeks all by my lonesome. My wife helped me chalk some lines and she actually did some of the engraving around the border. I put alot of detail into it. Anyhow when all said and done it came out awesome and I would probably say it is my pride and joy when it comes to jobs I have done. I worked out a deal with my landlord and all parties happy. I made some money and she got a steal of a deal. After that I just confirmed what I already knew, I can do this. Here it is three years later and I was out there about 3 or 4 days ago and looking at it and I just shook my head in disbelief that I had done all of that just out of school. With experience comes confidence and like somebody already said, you will never plateau in this field. Something will always stump you and you will figure it out and you will get better and then you'll run into another situation down the road. And every job you'll look at and smile at what you have created. Look at my web site www.tame2insane.com its the black, white, and grey star driveway. Hope this helps you in your decision making. Basically you get out of it what YOU put into it. Plus tuning into this and other forums you learn more and save yourself less headaches and shorten that learning curve and build confidence in knowledge as well. But there is nothing like getting your hands dirty and learning by doing.

Alexwright	12-19-2009 02:00:34
Member Posts: 76 Joined: 03-24-2009	Before anybody takes offence, I have been to about 3 other schools and I learned alot there as well. I only mentioned EAC because it was the first school and I learned pretty much all I needed there and unfortunately the other schools did not even come close to EAC in many different ways. Regardless I use materials from all these different schools and distributors which are all here locally and I only use the equipment from EAC. God willing when finances allow I would like to continue my education by attending other classes and seminars. This industry is growing so fast and if we don't keep up we'll get left behind. Plus I am not a person that thinks he knows it all, I know that I can learn many more things and get into different areas with better money and so on. Plus its just plain fun. I love this stuff.

Lindy A.	12-22-2009 14:58:00
Member Posts: 3372 Joined: 05-11-2009	As in any profession; there are seminars that are worth every dime you invest in them (paying off many times over, while providing you with insights and hands-on working knowledge that serves as a strong foundation on which to build your business)... on the other hand, there are a few that are more like dog/pony shows; motivation being to sell you whatever it is they are promoting; pumping you up that "you can do it," then sending you out into the world of concrete to pave your own way without the necessary knowledge base and tools necessary to succeed. Personally though, I believe you should attend as many seminars as possible; so long as they are hosted by professionals that have a WORKING knowledge (ie: have done their time out in the real world getting down and dirty). Every day I don't learn something new I feel like I was running in neutral gear; certainly not progressively forward in a proactive way. You know that old saying ... a mind is a terrible thing to waste; so, whether it be trade related seminars, events, publications, or networking/forum sites like our DCF, make it your New Years resolution to "learn something new every day" (you will be glad you did :>) Note: If you click on "Seminar" icon you will find that Victor at Duraamen is hosting a special event (seminar) in January ... t certainly covers a lot of ground in relation to continuing your education and hands-on techniques. Also ... if you are going to WOC, make sure to drop by and visit with the professionals at Roadware (space: S 12051) and KutRite (space: O 30917). Lindy A.

Alexwright	12-23-2009 01:53:39
Member Posts: 76 Joined: 03-24-2009	Like Lindy said some seminars are good and others are not. I went to one that was not good but, oh well, I can look past that and when I get a chance will attend another one with that same supplier but it is now being run by somewhat different people that are running it a bit different so anyhow, they will go nameless but, I can see the value of some of their products and know that it is not so much the manufacturers but certain distributors or people teaching the classes. Knoeledge is key and an ever desire to keep learning and staying on top of things. I did get an email on the class you mentioned Lindy but unfortunately I can not afford that trip for right now, but it does look like its going to be a good one. Also it looks like I might actually make it to WOC this year. I am currently planning it somewhat right now and have already scheduled a room with a friend. Long story short it is still a bit away and finances then will determine the final say. If it looks like I am, closer to then I will get everybodys info so that we can meet up and get to know some of you fellow pros and put a face to your voice or posts. Either way its been a good year, by the grace of God and are looking forward to an even better year, if God is willing. I say this not so much all in a finacial way because it was a very tough year but, I have my health and wife and my children and we have food on the table and a roof over our heads. I have a 4yr, 2yr, and 7 week old baby and they are healthy, what more can I ask for really?

itsreallyconc	12-23-2009 04:13:52
Member Posts: 342 Joined: 09-29-2009	that's life - some wives're good & others're..... enough of that comparison, tho,,, we all still get e-mails from seminar holders - eg, the guy down below atl's shown on a harley next to some dec conc thingie - even the last unsolicited e-mail was over $ 1,500 for the seminar while another's $900 tuition ( $ 1,400 if you incl anticipated motel/food/travel costs ),,, is that a long term approach ? consider seminar/training costs - 8yrs ago, we pd $200 for 1 1/2days & left knowing all i needed was mtl & cell phone on my distributor's system for free calls,,, even today, don't think its over $300/350 for newbie/outsiders. no matter who gets the ' better distributor ', its still the individual who makes it work,,, whether products we use're the be-all/end-all of dec conc's another issue & not germane to this thread,,, if anyone's considering paying out $$$ for seminars, they'd be well-advised to consider eC,,, many distributors even forgo ' training / licensing ' fees if 1's already in the craft,,, nor do they charge for your coffee & krispy kremes,,, is this a short term approach ? know some of you have a hardon for eC & always will - don't understand WHY but that's YOU,,, why anyone lets ' feelings ' get in the way of good business has always been puzzl'd me,,, alex, your head's on straight & know what's important,,, see you at woc. best [the original] beer's-on-me yic-yac

dcsinc	12-23-2009 08:19:13
Member Posts: 62 Joined: 08-10-2008	I like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. As far as classes go, there's good, bad and ugly. It's paying for a celebrity name on some of these gigs that makes me feel sorry for the guy dishing out the bucks. Maybe when I get rich and famous I can charge another 20 bucks for my classes and include an autographed photo..... ;) I offer a money back guarantee if someone isn't happy. I've had one guy that moaned and groaned on one of my "PLUS" classes on counter tops and vertical. I sent him his class fees back. I'm not going to dog the dude but he stood in the corner all 3 days and didn't participate in anything. I wished him the best of luck..... If you can't get your shoes dirty and actually do it yourself, then it's a waste of time....and money. If you can't get decent support after the fact, again a waste...... gene Oh, guys, stop by the Artisans Demo area at the woc and introduce yourself. John, I'm getting thirsty.....

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