Work continues to feel unsteady, only now worse. Found out yesterday that a competitor that feels like it came out of nowhere is winning over my product category in every way with most of our customers. My business has a very low barrier of entry, so I can’t say that this is a surprise – especially with the climate and direction our customers are moving - building their own design studios and sourcing their own products directly from foreign manufacturers. It’s not a new practice, I’ve worked for large retailers who have done this for years, but this industry has been a bit slower to catch on. So it was only a matter of time.
I’ve been turning a fairly blind eye to this for about 2 years now, so again, I can’t say this is a surprise. Still, I’m a little embarrassed to say I’ve sat at this desk pretending it wasn’t happening. I am at a point where I can’t ignore it now. Big Boss was out of the office yesterday, but sent me an email stating that he doesn’t want me to do a particular presentation with my biggest customer, which means that we are basically throwing our hands in the air and succumbing to the inevitable.
To make matters even worse, I also heard yesterday that other categories at our company have lost about $15 million in business over the last couple of weeks! And part of this is business that the company JUST BOUGHT through an acquisition a month ago! It’s an absolute disaster. It’s like putting all your money on a horse who (unbeknownst to you) was already sick and then breaks his leg in his first race.
Negative C. called in sick today. I should have done the same. And yes, I worked late last night and then got stuck in an hour-long traffic jam on my way home last night.
What is going on with the stars??
On to my meetings. Happy Friday everyone.
GS
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