Editing The Pen Addict 362/transcript (section)

== Community Focus ==


'''Dan Smith:''' Really just meeting all the people in the community. I mean, being able to meet them in person, um, connect with them at shows online, uh, build all these new relationships. I mean, I've got so many great friends that I've made over the past eight, 10 years from being in this community. Um, I really couldn't have asked for anything better.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Yeah. This community is fun, isn't it? Like we're all, we're all about like fun and helpfulness and openness and positivity. Like I really, really believe in that. It's just a spectacular community. And I'm just super glad you're a part of it and we're a part of it. And, you know, everyone we get to see at pen shows and, you know, just out and about or even talking online. It's just, it brings a smile to my face all the time. So what's been tough? Like you've had some tough decisions to make recently too. So what kind of challenges have you run up against?

'''Dan Smith:''' Um, well, really finding the time just to do everything. Um, hopefully that's going to be a little bit easier now. Um, but there's just so many aspects of the business trying to do it all yourself can really be overwhelming a lot of times. Yeah. Um, so I'm, yeah, just finding the time to do everything.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Figuring that out now. Yeah. So, um, how would you describe the Nibsmith in a market full of retailers? I mean, let's face it. You have a lot of competition just for retail business. How would you give me the, uh, give me the elevator pitch for the Nibsmith.

'''Dan Smith:''' When you buy a pen from me, it's going to work.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' I like it.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' I like it. Yeah. I, like I said before, and we discussed this last week that I think your business model, the different setup of your business model is very important in this marketplace, right? The very hands-on customer centric, give me something a little bit extra that I can't get everywhere. Where sets your, sets you apart, uh, from that. And was that a conscious decision? Because to be perfectly honest, you're eating into your profits by offering these services.

'''Dan Smith:''' Yeah, absolutely. Um, but it's definitely an advantage that I have over everyone else and I'm going to keep that for as long as I can. I mean, it's definitely going to be a part of the business for as long as I can keep doing it.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Nice. Nice. So what, when you're out at pen shows now, and I, I've seen you in action with the, the full, the full setup, I've actually been behind the table, like we mentioned for an hour or two helping you out. What's it like now when you go to a pen show? What, what can customers, you know, existing customers and new customers expect when they roll up to the big orange banners? I mean, and I appreciate that orange too. That's a solid, solid orange choice there. What can they expect when they roll up to your tables at a pen show?

'''Dan Smith:''' Um, usually I'm going to have at least two or three tables. Um, most of it's going to be covered in pen trays. Um, when you come up, feel free to pick up and handle anything. Um, I want you to get the pen in your hand, get a feel for it, take a close look at it. Um, I'm going to have every nib available for almost every pen. It may not be out, but I will have it in the back. And then if you're interested in it, if you, I will have a tray of inked pens as well. So I'm always going to have all the sailor nibs inked up. I'll probably have all the lamby 2000 nibs inked up and then a variety of other stuff. And that's going to be down closer to me where I'm grinding nibs. Um, I'll have a pad of paper sitting out. Feel free to pick one up and just start writing. Um, and don't hesitate to ask questions, um, whether it's directly to me or to anyone helping behind the table. Um, they should be able to answer most of them. And if not, they'll, they'll grab me. Um, but really just, um, stop by the table, be comfortable. Don't hesitate to, to ask questions and pick things up.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Nice, nice. Love it. So now the real hard hitting questions, Dan, are you team all-star team Safari? I know you're a huge Lamy fan, right?

'''Dan Smith:''' I am.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Yeah.

'''Dan Smith:''' Um, but I would say if it's going to be between.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' That sounded hard for you to say.

'''Dan Smith:''' If it's going to be between those two, I mean, just give me a pencil at that point.

'''Brad Dowdy:''' Now that's the answer I expected from you. Okay. Well, we'll, we'll let you slide on that. We'll let you slide on that. I mean, we know it's Safari, but you know, whatever, but really, who has the better sailor collection right now between you and Jacqueline, who helps you out at pen shows?

'''Dan Smith:''' Um, well, considering the two pens I just got yesterday, I'm going to have to pick my collection.