It is going off on a bit of a tangent, but I see value in using naked DSL services.

For those who don’t know what naked DSL means, it is where the DSL isn’t provisioned over a line with a phone number. On the upside, this means you don’t pay line rental (last time I checked it was about $30/month). The downside is that you cannot receive normal telephone services over this line, although in my opinion this can be largely negated using VoIP and online faxing services.

Concentrating on A-list clients is good for you and good for them. C’s and D’s – the ones who spend bugger money all but never stop complaining – deserve new homes far away.

‘Sacking’ clients or letting them drift away is utterly counter intuitive to an (especially new) business. But, as you’ve heard, the payoffs are huge.

And when we have fun, our clients have fun. And everyone lives long and prospers. You’re spot on about that blog post, Sonia. Thanks for the idea.

Luke: It’s interesting to see a photographer employ the ’selective client’ methodology. We’re certainly at the stage in our I.T. business where our clients have to fit a certain shape & attitude before we’ll work with them. It may sound kinda snobby, but we can’t work as effectively or deliver the best results for our clients if we’re trying to be all things to all people. I know a great story of an accountant who sacked 80% of his clients and his business took off. Could be another blog post topic in this one, Paul!

Yes, like you I dislike tyre kickers and those who shop on price alone. Price shoppers ignore the depth of knowledge, experience and bloody hard work that goes into making a premium product/service that many others are unable to match.

I don’t use any faxing software either; I just don’t have the need to send or receive faxes. But for those that do fax, I’d recommend looking into your option in this regard. It may be worth pointing there are two general ways to go here:

1. PC/Server based faxing software (like Stephen & Sonia mention) – this still requires a landline connection, but you can toss the fax machine. A good option if you rarely use a fax machine, as this will save you money maintaining it (a key point in Paul’s post above). You still pay for the line rental/call costs.

2. Online fax services (possibly what Luke was refering to?) – Doesn’t require a landline, or a fax machine. Usually operates via email. Costs vary, but you have no expenses for landlines or equipment as you only need an internet connection. (BTW – if you still think you need a phone service bundled with your internet, think again). This isn’t always cheaper, but it has the big advantage that you can easily send and receive faxes from anywhere in the world.

NB: As a non-user, I am not in a position to give specific advice about different faxing software or online services. I just thought it was a point worth making.

Nothin’ smancy, just a link to my blog. In the spirit of noSh-it!, I’ve kept the openness & ‘warts ‘n all’ thing happenin’…so because the ideas are still organising and very much up for discussion, it’s probably not the easiest of reads from me…but ya get that

Anyway, gotta start somewhere . I do hope to engage some interested folks, as this time it’s definitely not a ‘one man show’.

Thanks Paul and Megan and folks for your good will in allowing me this indulgence and opportunity.

Oh! That’s right…the link – the link

Cheers

Stephen G

This medium is rather less popular now. The same goes for heliographs, telegrams and telexes (all vital in their times).

I do see your point about not slamming doors in people’s faces. However, I also respect Luke’s wish to filter out unsophisticated ‘tyre kickers’ so he can do his best for his A-List clients.

I’m grateful to both of you for raising your points. I’m even more grateful that we can retain the civil tone of this forum.