Tuesday 22 September 2009

Only Fools & Horses...

There was no frost, the clouds were dry, the wind silent and the sun was glorious so us first timers on the Market Stall were happy traders. We arrived at half 8, somehow missing the clogged Abingdon traffic and met the ever helpful Jimmy James, who showed us to our pitch.

Up went the pop up gazebo, and out came the sunshine. Customers were milling around, and we were kindly donated a steaming cup of tea by the local church. Positioning was perfect, right outside Jessops, and we knew people would be flocking to buy our Digital Photography DVD after being into there. Dave Murdoch popped in with some flyers, but they were embarrassed as they knew our product was vastly superior to anything they offer and quickly declined.

First strike was Vince`s. A customer instantly attracted to our Photo DVD, handed over a welcomed ten pound note, and relief was evident. The atmosphere of the Abingdon Market was great, very friendly Market Traders everywhere, especially our neighbour Danny on the Fishing Tackle stand, many thanks for all the advice.

Lunch was an outstanding baguette from the baguette shop in the Market Square, and soon after, another sale, this time Mini Soccer. We rejoiced, it meant we had made a profit!! Fantastic achievement from the 3 Just Do It Guys...

All and all, an enjoyable day. We packed up and left at 3, quietly pleased with our results, and looking forward to next Monday.

Marlbrough was penciled in for our next assault on a Wednesday. With another Amazon sale, and phone enquiry from an Abingdon flyer it made for a nice sunny day out in the fresh air.

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Grassroots Football goes to Wembley!!

As Dave Roberts and myself emerged from Wembley Park tube station into the shadow of the Wembley arch, the sun shone down on what turned out to be a great day for Just Do It guides Ltd.

We met with Ian Blanchard (Senior National Game Referee Manager) on 14th September at 2pm in a box overlooking the hallowed turf.

We chatted briefly about current footballing matters and then turned our attention to the Grassroots DVD and our plans for future productions. Mr Blanchard re-iterated how good he thought the DVD was and gave Just Do It Guides Ltd permission to use any of his quotes in any future sales campaigns related to it. He said he would also pass it onto the FA Learning department with a view to getting it fully endorsed.

The talk turned to our plans for a refereeing DVD to help potential referee's get an insight into what to expect if they wish to go through all of the relevant modules to becomming a qualified referee. From this we have now gained support from Mr Blanchard who told us he would even be willing to present the DVD and get us into academy games so that we can film candidates going through their paces.

We are also invited to a function that Ian Blanchard is hosting at the Oxfordshire FA where he is willing to introduce us to the members as a company that the FA are actively promoting and helping.

We left the meeting with more than we went into it with and also the promise of a further meeting with FA Learning once they have reviewed the DVD.

An historic day in the history of Just Do It Guides and one that will hopefully bring the company into the forefront of Educational DVD industry.

Tuesday 1 September 2009

Grassroots - The official release party

The DVD was officially released on Saturday 29th August 2009 (although it has been on sale since 10th!). The release was held at Didcot Town F.C at their home game against Stourbridge which Just Do It Guides were the match sponsors for.

The hospitallity showed to us by Didcot Town was second to none, the people invited to the launch were the children and the parents that were involved in the making of the DVD. After they had sat through the 65 mins of the DVD I for one was very nervous on what the reaction may be. I needn't have worried, everyone that saw it thought it was fantastic and all went on to have a very enjoyable day with Didcot Town.

The following day I decided to deliver 600 of the 7500 flyers we had printed to the local area, took me 3 hours!! we all know that unless the footwork is done you will get no reward!! Still waiting for the first order from my flyer distribution but it will come, that I am sure of!

Lots still ongoing and I will keep you all updated with how we get on.