This hibernating industry

One of the first things I noticed about the Hurricane Protection Industry is that it regularly goes into hibernation from September to January. Thats a long Winter break. Part of the reason I can understand … who wants to get any construction done during hurricane season! However, I also see a lot of companies really struggle for sales even a few months before and few months after the hurricane season is over. For example, of the many people I’ve been speaking with over the last month, almost 50% commented “business hasn’t picked up”.

Now, I would believe this at once, except for the fact that the other half said “we are already soo busy and overloaded”.

Hmm, that doesn’t seem right. Does this have to do with a dearth of sales or with poor marketing and bad planning?

Do these slumbering companies really take too long to wake up for the new year, thus giving their competition a free reign on the leads and potential sales?

 

Technorati Tags: hurricane – shutter – industry – sales

Welcome

This blog will feature articles, analysis, reports and interviews related to the Hurricane Protection Industry in South Eastern United States in general, and Florida in particular.

Who am I?

I am someone who has just become a part of this industry and am looking to learn more about how the industry works and what does and doesn’t work.

But seriously, who am I?

In real life, I’m Vinit Bhansali. I work with HurricaneBOSS software and am trying to eke out a living developing and selling better Hurricane Sales and Estimating software for Hurricane Protection companies.

Isn’t there a conflict of interest somewhere?
Is this just another sales pitch for my company?

I choose to write this blog on my personal time. Also, if there are articles dedicated to my company/product (HurricaneBOSS), my relationship will be clearly stated. If I write an article about one of my competitors, I will still list out my relationship and standing.

If you feel my disclosure is anything less than complete, let me know.

Why am I writing this blog?

I hope that my understanding of the industry will serve as a guide to others who might be looking for a resource or guide of sorts. And hey, it could come handy as reference material if I ever need to be reminded of how I understood things from scratch.

What can you expect from this blog?

I will try to post infrequently about new articles related to the industry, analyze some stories, post reports from various govt. agencies and non-profits and also try to write quasi-interview style articles on people I meet and speak with at various trade shows, conventions and during site visits.

Will I pitch your product on my blog?

Only if I like it or want to comment on it.
I don’t do paid/sponsored articles.

However, if you feel you have something that’s news-worthy, don’t be shy. Send my an email or leave a comment. I just *might* write about it.

Ok, so whats next?

I just started this blog. So it could take a few days to put in some quality articles. In the meantime, check out some of the websites listed on the right under the heading “Websites I like”.

Also, if you want to be listed there, drop me a line. I will be present at the IHPA Conference “World of Hurricane Protection” on the 10th and 11th of May 2007. So if you are going, drop by and say hi. And wait for lots of Conference photos the week after!