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CAJUN ACCORDION DISCUSSION GROUP

 

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On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

There seems to be a myth being perpetuated on this board that a customer is always right. Let's examine the argument and the reality of businesses exposed to dynamic market forces.

For those of us needing a refresher in business economics, these are the facts:

1.) Businesses exist 'first' to increase owners equity (build wealth)

2.) Businesses devise profit models and business plans that maximize owners equity by determining through a 'MOSCOW' decision tree (Must Offer, Should Offer, Could Offer, WON't Offer) what the end-use product or service will 'look like.'

3.) Businesses then utilize marketing efforts (word of mouth, advertising, support of trade groups etc.)that tie-in to those customers that value the product or service AS OFFERED by the business.

4.) Businesses avoid serving the 'fringe' buyers of their market by use of discontinuation of a model, limiting options, price actions etc.

5.) When conflict arises with a customer, an owner or manager should immediately decide if this is a 'core' customer and work to satisfy the customer. If this is a 'fringe' customer, working to satisfy could include suggesting to the customer to find an alternate source that could satisfy the customer better.

All this is being said because of the ridiculous hypothesis that certain accordion makers are less genuine craftsmen or have less integrity than other builders.

Yes, I said less integrity because one poster said,"And it's indeed fortunate that some LA builders,more traditionalist in their ideas, then Marc, people like Randy Falcon ,Jude and John with more integrity and more desire to showcase their craftmanship have challenged Marc's building techniques." Well, that thought really peppered my butt!

I assert that if a particular accordion builder has devised a business plan that maximizes his wealth by determining which market segment to serve the best and ignore the rants and pleading from the fringe, then so be it. If you disagree, find a builder better suited to your needs. But don't belittle the builders that have done more to put food on the family table, entertain thousands, craft well-built and sought-after instruments and welcome 'outsiders' into their midst simply because you have a differance of opinion.

If you came to my business with that attitude, I might not sell you my service as well.

AR

Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Very well stated!

Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Business 101 further states:

"If ya don't want my peaches the way they are... then don't be shaking my tree...skeedaddle"

Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Marc's success speaks for itself, and needs no defence from a rank beginner like me; however, there are two quotes that I believe speak to this discussion.
1."The most successful people in life are generally those who have the best information"
Benjamin Disraeli
2."If a man write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mouse trap than his neighbor, tho' he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Bien dit Antoine. À qui le chapeau fait, portez-le. Vous savez qui vous etes!
Maz

Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here



AR

Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Your business plan is excellent for those who are in it strictly for the money. Also I would consider that a very high percent of the participants in this discussion group are fringe customers. So you must consider that many accordion builders are not in it strictly for the money but try to introduce new designs and ideas. The success of the small accordion building industry depends on it.

Supermarkets used to be only for buying grocerys but developers found that if you add a deli or coffee shop you could increase your customer base. So, in fact, they are pulling in those fringe customers. Voila!! The businesses that don't do anything to attract new customers get samller no matter how good their product.

Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

As a seller or producer you get to select two of three choices available to you AND your competitiors...

1. You can be lowest cost producer
2. You can be highest quality producer
3. You can be fastest producer

However, you can only choose two-- you cannot be all three if you also expect to remain an enduring, on-going business that builds owner equity.

No argument that you have to innovate to survive... but to survive you have to innovate upon the two core competencies that you have selected.

Using the analogy of grocery stores selling appliances, you don't see grocery stores that offer TV's offering the best quality--typically they are competing on the price and convenience factor. No sense trying to belittle the store manager because you want picture in picture with surround sound and integrated lighting installed by tomorrow. That isn't what they offer, because their business plan and profit model exclude this fringe customer's needs.

AR

Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Yes indeed, you get to choose two of the three - Good, Fast and Cheap. If you want a good one and you want it fast, then it won't be cheap. That's the way it goes. You want it cheap and fast, it won't be any **** good.

Antoine, I have read and reviewed all of the posts. Now, just when can we expect to receive our MBA's? :)

You've hit a home run with this...you are right on the mark. Thanks for your well-reasoned input.

Rob K.

Re: Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Everyone:

The next time you watch the 'Wizard of Oz', stand in line with Scarecrow and proudly accept your Honorary Degree from the Wizard.

AR
aka Li'l Ant-Knee

Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Triple constraints. PM 101.
Quality, cost, time

Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Craig,

Exactement, avec précision!

AR

Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Antoine,

Your model is fine for Wal-Mart, and has some applications in the nitch markets.

But nitch markets usualy cater to the whims of the customer, that is how flyrods, guitars, shotguns, violins and yes even accordions evolve to meet the demands of the user.

However, in the end it is the builder who dictates the construction, because he puts his name and reputation on the product.

Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

That is precisely my point my friend.

It is the producer that determines what to produce based upon his/her understanding and ability of how to meet the needs of an identified targeted market.

And if the producer doesn't want to make a box with mitered corners and you want mitered corners--then you need to find someone that builds to your taste,or accept what the builder produces or not make a purchase at all.

I was just bored with the tiresome rant of the miters versus box ends.

What song you playing these days?

AR

Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

You seem to have a very good business education but you are sure not knowledgeable about building accordions and the small market they are sold in.

Re: Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Joe,

business education, me? Eh, not so much...

Everything I know, I learned at my blessed mother's knee...and other low joints.

AR
aka 'L'il Ant-knee

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Dam! That explains it then. It was all a lot of BS.
Very understandable! Get a life.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Hey Joe:

It is more along the lines of the BS as in Bachelor of Science... by the way,my life is quite nice, thanks for the your concern though.

AR

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Wow! You to college and this is the best you can do.

You need serious help.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Joe:

You win. It is obvious to everyone that I just can't keep with you in a serious discussion of the economics of any business.


AR

Re: On-line MBA in Accordion businesses....right here

Antoine,

I will bend this thread a bit to discuss the music in my local area. Here is north central Indiana the standard Folk, Irish, Cowboy and Country tunes prevail. Mostly guitar, banjo, and fiddle stuff, with dulcimers and penny whistles etc.

Cajun is rather rare and as a beginner accordion player I am not adding much to it growth. One of the problems with my musician freinds is they have a hard time adjusting to the fact that the cords coming from the accordion may not be the correct ones for the song. I am sure I am not alone.

Tnx
RPr

Off topic--two paths... the one less traveled

RPr:

North Central IN? Amish country? Elkhart, Mishawaka, Shipshawana, Goshen, Howe, Orland???

God's country, and evrything is ripening.

AR



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