chribob In reply to Oakart62 [2009-02-19 15:55:44 +0000 UTC]

All is well. I actually got a paying job in photography and it's running me off my feet! I've been out of town much of the time, and when I'm home, I'm driving my three grown children around because we've had a bus strike (it ended recently, but bus service stil isn't back to normal). I'll post some new photos today.

I appreciate your concern.

Blessings,
Bob

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Oakart62 In reply to chribob [2009-02-28 19:41:06 +0000 UTC]

Well, that's good to here. About the job, I mean. Not about driving grown kids around. Sorry this response is late. Been struggling to find work here. So I have been too depressed to worry about the computer. I'm going to look at your pics.

Talk to you soon,
Art

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chribob In reply to Oakart62 [2009-03-07 12:48:33 +0000 UTC]

Sorry to hear this. I pray things improve for you soon. --Bob

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ArtsEye62 In reply to chribob [2009-03-13 01:47:34 +0000 UTC]

Bob, I figured I would reply back to you through this thread. Thank you for watching me on this site. Thank you for your prays, please continue. Things are pretty bad here. I did get some calls this week, so that is a good sign. Were going on our third week with no work.

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chribob In reply to ArtsEye62 [2009-03-30 15:36:05 +0000 UTC]

That's a real test of faith and resolve. I hope business is better now that it's spring. I'll continue to pray. Have you tried marketing through some free sites like Craigslist?

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ArtsEye62 In reply to chribob [2009-03-30 22:23:19 +0000 UTC]

It still is slow. Last week we did some tile floors for a couple who live on the CT river. We had to travel a bit further for the job, but in the end she paid and gave us a substantial tip. This week is almost over with one small job and nothing for the rest of the week (we'll pray for something to fill in). As for Craigslist, my computer literate wife put an add or two on there. Two calls. The first I didn't get the job and the second was like pulling teeth. Older single woman who was doing her homework, I had to drop $350 off the job, but we did get that one. It is a whole bath remodel. This is the way things are going though. I set a date with the woman for April 13 and she emailed me this morning that the materials now won't be in till the 23. Delays.

Bob! If you know of any other free sites like craigslist please let me know.

Another idea I had was to write a form letter to hand out to realtors letting them know my desire to help rehab all these forclosed homes we now have in America. I think we are going to have a busy year doing clean up. A lot of people before they lose their family home are stripping the contents.

Thank you for your prayer support. It is very much appreciated.

Talk to you soon.

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chribob In reply to ArtsEye62 [2009-04-04 13:46:18 +0000 UTC]

A little activity is better than "dead stop". I am continuing to pray that orders pick up for you. You may have to actively seek jobs...direct sales. One way would be to call past clients, ask how happy they were with your work, and then ask whether they may have friends, relatives or neighbours who are contemplating similar projects. Such referrals are worth gold, especially since your new prospects know your endorsers.

Second in popularity after Craigslist may be Kijiji ([link] ). They have local sites for Fairfield, Norwich, New Haven and Hartford in CT. For example: [link] There are other sites that operate only in your area, like [link] I would encourage you to do Google searches on "free classified ads" or "free for sale used" or "free want ads" and your city, and you may find a few more, like [link]

Your brother in Christ,
Bob

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ArtsEye62 In reply to chribob [2009-04-04 22:02:40 +0000 UTC]

Yes, thank you for your prayers and information.
Fortunately, most of the jobs we've gotten were from past customers. With that I have no problem. My past customers are my best advertising. Unfortunately, when I finish every tile job in their homes, there is nothing left for me to do. Unless they buy a new home, because the tile will stay there for a long, long time.
June and I joke about my friends and family plan. I don't know if I told you that I have been doing tile work for 25yrs now, so I do have a pretty good reputation. It's just this year is incredibly bad.
I do have another idea that I'm working on, I have to recruit my wife because I'm not a good writer. But, I thought of writing a letter explaining my desire to help with what I call "American's rebuilding America", to fix up all the forclosed homes around here. Then hand delivery them with my business card to realtors around here.

Work is picking up, we have about 2 weeks of work coming up. Breathes a big sigh.

Talk to you soon,
Art

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