Finally booked all my stuff for the convention this coming February.
I'm looking forward to it. Ive decided to take the train there. Its cheaper than flying or driving. Plus Ive got all the free time in the world to travel so the lengthy trip wont bother me at all. I've never ridden an Amtrak train and Ive always wanted to take a cross country train trip so this will be a good chance to get that experience in!
Looking forward to seeing everyone again, and meeting some new faces as well. Ive never went simply because I didn't want to use time off work. Time that could be used for actual chasing. Since Im not currently working, that is no longer an issue.
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Meet N Greet
The meet and greet was fun and pretty much what I expected.
The public turnout wasn't all that high. I'd say probably 30-40 people over the course of the 5 hours. We did have a nice chaser turnout though, and at the very least its always nice to get together with fellow chasers to share stories and just BS.
The store did generate some good sales though as a result of people stopping by, I don't want to disclose the exact number, but it was in the thousands of dollars.
I had a few requests for business cards, one by a teacher who wants me to give a presentation to his class. A mother came by with her 5-6yr old son who absolutely loved what we had to show. He had a digital camera and recorded everything while he narrated. He took pics with all the vehicles and when his mom said it was time to go he protested. Most of the other guests were people who stopped by to check out some photos, share a story or 2 and then were gone after 5 minutes. I gave away photo prints to all of the kids.
Being able to reach out to the community in that way was nice, and it was rewarding to see how happy the kids were. Helping people save was a nice touch too, especially in this economy, if our event helped generate sales than that is definitely a good thing.
The weather was a limiting factor, quite breezy and pretty chilly. It is November though...we talked about setting up a similar event when its warmer out...but with warmer weather comes the possibility of a chase, and thus harder for us to commit. We were also setup in the corner of the parking lot, so allot of people simply just didn't notice us. I think a setup closer to the front of the store would have increased turn out some.
The important thing was reaching out and making some more contacts. I'm still a nobody in the chasing world so for me to think this would be a huge event is foolish. Its all about starting out small, reaching out to the local community and getting yourself known. I look forward to potentially doing more of these.
On the weather front - the goofus isnt showing any real snow here for awhile and that makes me happy. Bring on the el nino mild and dry winter!
The public turnout wasn't all that high. I'd say probably 30-40 people over the course of the 5 hours. We did have a nice chaser turnout though, and at the very least its always nice to get together with fellow chasers to share stories and just BS.
The store did generate some good sales though as a result of people stopping by, I don't want to disclose the exact number, but it was in the thousands of dollars.
I had a few requests for business cards, one by a teacher who wants me to give a presentation to his class. A mother came by with her 5-6yr old son who absolutely loved what we had to show. He had a digital camera and recorded everything while he narrated. He took pics with all the vehicles and when his mom said it was time to go he protested. Most of the other guests were people who stopped by to check out some photos, share a story or 2 and then were gone after 5 minutes. I gave away photo prints to all of the kids.
Being able to reach out to the community in that way was nice, and it was rewarding to see how happy the kids were. Helping people save was a nice touch too, especially in this economy, if our event helped generate sales than that is definitely a good thing.
The weather was a limiting factor, quite breezy and pretty chilly. It is November though...we talked about setting up a similar event when its warmer out...but with warmer weather comes the possibility of a chase, and thus harder for us to commit. We were also setup in the corner of the parking lot, so allot of people simply just didn't notice us. I think a setup closer to the front of the store would have increased turn out some.
The important thing was reaching out and making some more contacts. I'm still a nobody in the chasing world so for me to think this would be a huge event is foolish. Its all about starting out small, reaching out to the local community and getting yourself known. I look forward to potentially doing more of these.
On the weather front - the goofus isnt showing any real snow here for awhile and that makes me happy. Bring on the el nino mild and dry winter!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Local Best Buy Meet-n-Greet!
This Sunday, November 15th! Come on out and meet Me, Danny, Skip and other local chasers! Time of the event is 10am - 3pm. The location is shown below.
424 Randall Rd
South Elgin, IL 60177
This is an experimental idea that Matt came up with. The idea behind it is to show off the technology used to track storms to hopefully promote sales at the store.Oh, and did I mention there will be a special 1 day only chance to save up to 15% on electronic purchases?! Well there is!
So I'm looking forward to the event. It will either be a really fun time where people can come out, ask questions, share stories and save on a purchase...or we will be sitting under a tent for 5hrs looking like fools as people go about their business. It will also be a good chance for me to promote myself and my site as well. You can't get known unless you market yourself and this is a good place to start.
I'm sure some will have choice opinions on the matter and quite frankly I could care less. This is what I want to do and how I want do it. End of story. Chasing is my life - I want to be known for it.
Current weather forecasts don't favor the event much. Seasonal temps which all are used to wont be the issue but it looks like it might be pretty windy with a slight chance of rain. So hopefully 2009 wont continue to screw me and we will get the nicer end of the forecast.
If any new important info arises I will be sure to post it - until then I look forward to meeting whoever comes out!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
How Much I hate Danny
Ok I dont...he just asked me what Im blogging about and that was my response...
Currently driving back from OKC with Ben and Danny. I really enjoyed the trip. The main purpose of the trip was to get out there and meet allot of the big name faces that I have chatted with over the years. That goal was accomplished. Its nice to be able to put the faces along with all the online babble. I had a really good time at Steves house with everyone! Hopefully it will happen again.
The weather fest was fun. It was cool to see the main building where allot of the nations weater stuff goes down. Especially the SPC. Ive never actually visited the OKC area - only driven through it on my way to the target area. I really liked the area and how everything was laid out. I definitely belong down there.
That being said I need to try and find a way to make that happen. With all the free time in the world I need to really focus on what I can do as a chaser and a person to make things better and to help myself become successful.
Saw some very very very distant lightning from storms moving south out of Kansas but I think it is now the time where I mentally prepare myself to not see any storms until late February which is typically when Chicago gets its first thunder and lightning. Its going to be a long winter but Ive got lots of projects to keep me busy.
First and foremost - the promo at a local best Buy in Elgin! I will post more details once Im home.
On a side note: Ben adopted Steves cat and it just took a shit so the whole truck smells like ass - plus the 3 of us just ate jack-n-the-box so Id say this truck is at a level 4 biohazard at the moment.
Currently driving back from OKC with Ben and Danny. I really enjoyed the trip. The main purpose of the trip was to get out there and meet allot of the big name faces that I have chatted with over the years. That goal was accomplished. Its nice to be able to put the faces along with all the online babble. I had a really good time at Steves house with everyone! Hopefully it will happen again.
The weather fest was fun. It was cool to see the main building where allot of the nations weater stuff goes down. Especially the SPC. Ive never actually visited the OKC area - only driven through it on my way to the target area. I really liked the area and how everything was laid out. I definitely belong down there.
That being said I need to try and find a way to make that happen. With all the free time in the world I need to really focus on what I can do as a chaser and a person to make things better and to help myself become successful.
Saw some very very very distant lightning from storms moving south out of Kansas but I think it is now the time where I mentally prepare myself to not see any storms until late February which is typically when Chicago gets its first thunder and lightning. Its going to be a long winter but Ive got lots of projects to keep me busy.
First and foremost - the promo at a local best Buy in Elgin! I will post more details once Im home.
On a side note: Ben adopted Steves cat and it just took a shit so the whole truck smells like ass - plus the 3 of us just ate jack-n-the-box so Id say this truck is at a level 4 biohazard at the moment.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Oklahoma Bound
I will be heading down there for the National Weather festival.
I'm looking forward to the trip, to meet some new faces and big names within the field. The added bonus will be getting away from the dismal weather which 2009 has been constantly delivering the midwest it seems.
Since my time off hasn't allowed me to actually go out and chase, I figure networking and sort of marketing myself is the next best way to go. I've taken a couple days off from working on my site to give my brain a rest. As I've stated many times I am a total tech tard and it takes time for me to wrap my mind around some of this stuff. I am pleased to say I'm making progress though. Too bad "self educated" doesn't hold any weight on a job resume. Which IMO is stupid.
People who teach themselves often do so with a greater desire to learn as opposed to those who are force fed it every day. One thing I hated about school was being forced to take classes that had nothing to do with my major [when I went.] I don't like the idea of them trying to force me to be a well rounded individual. I accomplished that on my own.
Anyways, Im looking forward to trip. Hopefully it will storm down there but all indications point to sunny warm weather...darn. Is it any wonder I belong there and not here.
OH, DUH...speaking of marketing. I will be participating in a promo at a local Best Buy, presumably on Nov 15th but the date has yet to be confirmed. The funny thing is, technology is the main angle to promote sales at the store. I am the least technologically advanced chaser out there...but Ive got enough flare to attract people I guess. More details on that to come.
I also ordered a laptop mount for the truck finally. I'm moving up in the world.
I'm looking forward to the trip, to meet some new faces and big names within the field. The added bonus will be getting away from the dismal weather which 2009 has been constantly delivering the midwest it seems.
Since my time off hasn't allowed me to actually go out and chase, I figure networking and sort of marketing myself is the next best way to go. I've taken a couple days off from working on my site to give my brain a rest. As I've stated many times I am a total tech tard and it takes time for me to wrap my mind around some of this stuff. I am pleased to say I'm making progress though. Too bad "self educated" doesn't hold any weight on a job resume. Which IMO is stupid.
People who teach themselves often do so with a greater desire to learn as opposed to those who are force fed it every day. One thing I hated about school was being forced to take classes that had nothing to do with my major [when I went.] I don't like the idea of them trying to force me to be a well rounded individual. I accomplished that on my own.
Anyways, Im looking forward to trip. Hopefully it will storm down there but all indications point to sunny warm weather...darn. Is it any wonder I belong there and not here.
OH, DUH...speaking of marketing. I will be participating in a promo at a local Best Buy, presumably on Nov 15th but the date has yet to be confirmed. The funny thing is, technology is the main angle to promote sales at the store. I am the least technologically advanced chaser out there...but Ive got enough flare to attract people I guess. More details on that to come.
I also ordered a laptop mount for the truck finally. I'm moving up in the world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)