Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Escanaba Polo Mallet Co. Supports Micro-Manufacturing and Industry Development in Delta County Michigan

 Escanaba Polo Mallet Co. is a good works business that donates much of its profits to charitable causes. We also seek to help and support our community through thoughtful engagement and positive contribution. While we are still a small start-up we are helping to raise understanding of entrepreneurship and the development of micro-manufacturing in the U.S. as a way of helping people engage in entrepreneurship while contributing to a stronger economy.  A better tomorrow is achieved by fostering our youth today. 

We make mallets and in turn encourage knowledge of polo playing, people in need and small business principles. We are not big but have some plans for expansion into polo and equestrian equipment. We are going to go where the market winds push us. Maybe somewhere far or perhaps somewhere close by.  It doesn't make a difference. Its the journey that counts. 

So the following post was created as feedback to Delta County Michigan's Master Plan. It is meant as a helpful dialogue that moves the plan into deeper positioning on strategy. Exactly how those things were going to happen wasn't fully settle upon within the documents presented for public consumption. Therefore, there is room for new ideas and theories on how to help our community grow. 

You may see the post below......

Feedback on Delta County Master Plan-Development of Downtown, Business and Industry

Revitalizing and rejuvenating Delta County to align and overcome new challenges presented by COVID and global influences needs new and unique ways of besting market challenges. The Master Plan offers opportunities to create a long-term approach to enhance the local economy and improve local life. I hear people complain about the Master Plan but I can't find a lot of things to argue about. Most of what it says makes sense and in turn will be helpful to the community. More activities, attracting younger people, encouraging different types of housing arrangements, enhance transportation advantages and attracting more industry into the area are all good recommendations! How this is going to occur is a whole different situation!

I can't blame them as that requires a lot of time and research. I have a few ideas based on a larger theory I'm working on that could be useful here. If its helpful that is great and if not....no worries. Yet I think that it will be helpful for framing the possibilities.  A few of the articles are below......

We can't just wish these things to happen and must create opportunities that raise budgets and encourage greater retention of a younger more educated crowd that are willing to start businesses in the area and/or work remotely. To be successful means having the will and the way. Delta county has an opportunity to draw in a more youthful generation with higher wealth in a way that increases downtown housing/condo variety, improved retail, micro-manufacturing industries, employment, recreation and entertainment. 

We can beat the global market.....

As each of the sectors develop it can strengthen the appeal and financial resources of the area that leads to growth for Delta but possibly manufacturing in other local regions. You might wonder how that is possible? That is dependent on the type of industries Delta County attracts and how we hedge our existing strengths. For example, attracting a distribution center with the areas ports, roads, rail, and airport can make a big difference for the military and manufacturing in the region alike. 

I would consider some suggestions here....

Attracting Talent While Rebuilding the Downtown, through Maximizing the Benefits of Natural Resources with Tourism Micro-Manufacturing:

We know we have great trails, hunting, fishing and much more. The post Covid world wants these things and there is no reason why we can't attract young entrepreneurs that love the outdoors but also desire to build home and hearth in our downtown area leading to greater tourism revival. Micro-manufacturing of items like snowshoes, golf clubs, polo mallets and others are often sold remotely to national/international locations but the store fronts contribute to tourism attraction. 

Consider Attracting SME Adventure-Venture Capitalism to Delta County (Escanaba & Gladstone) Through Neuroeconomics  as a method of attracting young entrepreneurs that want to build businesses and engage in the local lifestyle for retention purposes. 

We can also attract and rebuild our downtown in a way that leads to improved housing/condo options, retail store fronts, recreation and tourism. Rebuilding Escanaba's/Gladstone's Downtown by Marketing Commercial Real Estate to Entrepreneurs We will need to get "the word out" about our relatively cheap 100K or less store fronts and develop packages that help them get started. 

Developing the tourism micro-manufacturing also helps lead to a stronger export culture and transportation strengths that can be further used to grow the area. Tourist Micro-Manufacturing Can Improve Delta County's Manufacturing and Distribution Sectors

Using Existing Transportation Strengths to Attract Industry:

The report further discussed capitalizing on its infrastructure such as rail, airport, road, public transportation, deep water ports and the internet. It also indicates the need to draw in more diversified resources. Consider innovative industries and shipping infrastructure enhancements of local distribution.

When we start building multiple clusters such as trade/manufacturing training at Bay De Noc College, Distribution Shipping, Tourism, Micro-manufacturing, Resource Extraction, Regional Military, etc... we can form whole new new industries that further brand the mix of economic elements in Delta County as unique.....Multi-Clusters In Delta County Can Create New Innovative Industries

Our nation will grow and bring back high paying jobs if we have greater focus on manufacturing and exportation of products and services. There is no reason why Delta County's strategic location can be used to hedge that growth. Delta County Great Lakes Shipping Infrastructure-Opportunities for National Exports!

Attracting Investment Through Online Investor, Business and Government Virtual Community:

We won't be able to do much unless we can match local investment opportunities with potential investors that have the capital to "break out" successful businesses. An online community that provides the right kind of information investors needs and connecting them to the people who can answer their questions is important. We may also consider rewriting much of our public facing county and city websites to include information investors need. With a little marking elbow grease we can attract big investment money to the area that can help transform the lives of locals in terms of lifestyle, jobs, education, community, and health.   

We should understand what type of information and environment we need. Were doing pretty well but there are opportunities for improvement. Characteristics of Successful Venture Capitalist Investments Environments in Delta County Michigan

Investors often look for information on business owners and soft data as much as they look for financial information and hard data. Availability of Financial and Non-Financial Information Impacts Investor Interest in Delta County Michigan

If we use investment capital well we can take a number of small businesses and launch them on the global market in a way that attracts new jobs and investment in the area. We can also enhance investment in a number of budding clusters that could have post Covid market relevance. Venture Capitalism Under Utilized as a Growth Strategy for Escanaba

Our County and City administrators should think about creating an online forum they can reach out to investors and invite them to participate in lucrative development. Even if the investors don't invest they contribute to the growth and change of the area through their knowledge. Using Virtual Communities To Raise Venture Capitalism Investment in Delta County Michigan

Some Steps to Delta County Revitalization:

Here are a few ideas that might be helpful. I'm applying some of the concepts learned in the theory to Delta County Michigan. It doesn't mean all will apply but if we want to get serious about local economic growth we will need a detailed focus on how precisely to move an under-performing area with high potential to a lead market generator for its specific industry clusters. You can read more about the Theory of Transactional Cluster utilizing Schumpeterian economic principles HERE.

1. Market downtown store fronts and upstairs living spaces to young entrepreneurs with money to invest and a strong business plan related to tourism micro-manufacturing and SME development. 

2. Provide grants for buildings to improve the store fronts to increase aesthetic appeal by new entrepreneurs with start-up business investment capital. Consider putting together an entrepreneur packet with student loan forgiveness, low interest business loans, legal help, zoning contacts etc...

3. Consider a new county position that coordinates entrepreneurs and investors with focus on enhancing exportation of products/services. Enhancing exportable products/services leads to long-term job development and economic resilience. 

4. Develop an online forum for local entrepreneurs, business owners, government stakeholders and investors. Utilize these forums to gain new information/research on investment climate and connect businesses with investment capital. 

5. Rewrite county and city information to attract more investors through proper SEO and content creation. Put together marketing campaign to attract investors and potential mobile entrepreneurs. 

6. Connect with industry, state, federal and regional stakeholders to launch distribution center, enhance other clusters such as military, SME manufacturing, tourism, skills trade education, etc... to speed local innovation. 

7. Utilize budding clusters to develop new innovative industries that can create economic branding of the area. Once new industries have development enhance them to create a unique clusters tied to the area that attracts future long-term globally relevant investments.

You can contact County Administrator for questions and information. https://deltacountymi.org/master-plan/

2019 Delta County Master Plan. Delta County Michigan. Retrieved https://deltacountymi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Delta-County-2020-Master-Plan-Draft.pdf




Monday, August 17, 2020

Escanaba Polo Mallet Co BluePolo Shirt $45

Escanaba Polo Mallet starting to sell its own line of clothing. You can find more with free shipping on our Clothing Page. You can wear one of our high quality  products the next time you play:) https://www.escanabapolomallet.com/p/clothing-items.html

Escanaba Polo Mallet Co Blue Polo Shirt $45

4.4 oz., 100% Polyester Interlock Mini Grid
Modern classic fit
Moisture-management and anti-microbial properties
Self fabric lined with 1/4" topstitch on collar
Single-needle topstitched three-button clean finished placket with color-matched buttons
Rolled forward topstitched shoulder
Snagging resistant
Side seam with self fabric face side vents
Decorative logo side tab on left side seam
Double needle sleeve and bottom hems
UPF 30+ (white is not applicable)
Woven label


Please send $45 to PayPal with size requirement and name of item. This item has free shipping. If you have questions contact escanabapolomalletcompany@gmail.com 

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Persistence and Inquiry Fundamental to New Micro-Manufacturing Businesses

I own Escanaba Polo Mallet Company which is a micro-manufacturing good works company that will be used to understand how micro-manufacturing works within the U.S. and utilize some of the profits to help orphans, child enrichment programs and distressed horses. What I have found is that persistence and inquiry can help new entrepreneurs succeed in their businesses. It is that type of grit that keeps them going and the ability to continuously look for new answers.

Most businesses fail within the first few years. While there are financial and other issues involved typically persistence and inquiry are part of the process of building products successful that can be sold on the international market. 

Let's look at an example. I sell practice mallets for around $70 dollars with free shipping. Most people love these mallets and I have repeat buyers. There are a few who don't like them and I get an occasion return. Personally I believe these returns are based on perception and personality but I must do my part to ensure I'm avoiding misalignment between customer expectation and the offering.

Persistence and Inquiry #1: I Changed the Listing Information:  Customers sometimes think the $70 mallet is the same as a $200 mallet. They are different. One is used just to teach the skills of the game and is a little lighter. The other one is of superior quality with a heavier head and perfectly straight shaft. So I adjusted the listing so that people know the difference between one and the other. That doesn't mean people always read the listing so I include a liberal return policy for the rare occasion there is a mismatch.

Persistence and Inquiry #2: Things don't necessary stop there. I have to develop a professional mallet and be able to sell it for a price lower then my competitors. That will be able to offer a comparison product in each of my listings. Something like, "This is a practice mallet if you are more interested in a professional mallet please check out......" Thus, I went in search of straighter canes and figured out a way to create a heavier head. Now customers can choose between a $150 professional mallet and a $70 practice mallet. 

Customer confusion declines.....

Persistence means we don't give up on our business simply because we run into a few problems. Problems is what business is all about. As a matter of point, the goal is to solve as many problems as possible for your customers to increase their satisfaction. Make things easier, make them better, do more, and raise the value of your business through problem solving. Just be sure that you are focused on the goals of your business. Sometimes solutions have no market value. 

Inquiry helps you find new ways of doing things. I went out and searched sources for new shafts that are straighter and within my price budget. Now I found where I can obtain the resource and have made a purchase to see if the quality will be good. Furthermore, I used inquiry to find a way to weight the head more to give it a little extra kick on the ball. That wouldn't have happened unless I explored ideas and looked up possible solutions. 

As you work on your micro-manufacturing business think about persistence and inquiry to find new solutions. 

You can always read a little article on Justify Budgets



Friday, August 14, 2020

USPA Chicago Polo Women's Challenge Cup Finals: Oak Brook vs. Beaver Creek

I was hoping to attend this but was not able to do so. In the future, my plan is to attend more in the region. I think it is helpful to watch how some of these games are played. The creation of higher levels of game play means familiarizing yourself with the rules. For people who live near these areas it is helpful to be involved in these clubs for learning and community involvement. Hopefully, I can develop a little community in Delta County area even if not as large or supported. Getting people together to play is a lot of fun.  

https://www.oakbrookpoloclub.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Just-For-Fun/Beaver-Creek-Polo-1463325143978248/

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Escanaba Polo Mallet Co. Hosts First U.P. Polo Game

 

In the Month of August we had the very first polo game in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Four chuckers long and most of the fouls were not called. It was the very first time people played the game so it may have been more like practice but we muddled our way through anyway. Everyone had a great time and we plan on making it a more regular event. Some discussion on getting better to have a Humane Society fundraising event and teaching 4H children how to play. Another mentioned playing at next year's U.P State Fare and have a band afterward with a dance.  I can't imagine people showing up dressed up like the show Pretty Woman!

I'm not sure that we are at that level but it is certainly fun to think about. Yikes! I will do anything for a good cause and for good fun. If we raise some money for something worthwhile it will be a blast to participate in the betterment of the community. I guess that is what its all about fun, recreation, and doing good things. 

It also teaches people that there are many more sports beyond baseball, football and hockey. The area has cheap land and lots of horses but most riding is Western . So it is kind of cool having people engage in the fun of it and start to play. 

Some things we need some work on is leaning over well with balance and hitting the ball in a straight line. Likewise, we need to think about following the line of the ball so that safety improves. However, overall everyone did great job and by the end of the game a few were moving faster and hitting the ball more consistently. Two players dribbled half the arena and put the ball between the goal posts!  

Escanaba Polo Mallet Company donated the equipment and expertise to play the first game. Escanaba Polo Mallet Company is a good works establishment that donates much of its profits to orphans, children's enrichment, and horse rescue. They sell affordable polo mallets and clothing. 

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

How to Hold a Polo Mallet

It is important for new riders to know the fundamentals. Holding the mallet the proper way is important as it will impact your place, control and mastery of the ball during play. This video will give you the basics. Each time you go to practice ensure your mallet is set properly before playing. Eventually it will become second nature and you won't need to think about it. 

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Moving Your Horse from Trail Riding to Polo Player

Bella is a beautiful half Arabian and American quarter horse that has power and intelligence unmatched in the area. She wasn't an easy horse to deal with. As a rescue that was almost starved to death by a son who inherited the family farm she wasn't expected to amount to much. Worse than the depletion of health at the time of rescue she was jumpy from abuse and even after extensive training she was still jump. So jumpy that the first owners returned her to the trainer because it was "too much horse". Yet Bella has survived and overcome her challenges and is now moving from the trail into polo riding. 

Its a different sort of expectation being a polo horse. In trail riding you want them to be desensitized so they don't bolt when they see things they don't like and polo horse must be further trained to move quick, have stamina, bump other horses and do things that a normal horse would never be expected to do!

While she is in the beginning of her training she has learned to move with a one handed rein, not be afraid of the polo mallet, and can take off on prompt. Easy to handle and pays attention to your slightest cue making moving during a polo game much more effective. Here are a few things I worked on with her. 

Desensitized: Continuous riding and making lots of noise around her until she calms down. 
Bite and Cue Training: Training her on subtle cues from body, bit, arm and legs that help her be responsive. 
Dominance Training: Winning her trust and then taking the dominant position with her by using firm commands with nice rewards. 
Consistency: Having other people ride her to allow her to become giving to many different mixed signals and to lower her nervousness. 
A Quality Day Trainer: Hired someone to day train her and ride here consistently in different environments to prepare her for more complex commands. 

She has more to go but is able to play polo at the walk and trot. Our next steps are to move to canter and then gallop.