A New York lawyer who had had a large experience in business matters, decided to remove to San Francisco, mainly for climatic reasons, and concluded to enlarge upon the scope of his former activities in the eastern metropolis.
He therefore opened an office and announced that he would act as business adviser to all, and would superintend the organization of large corporations, keeping them advised as to all business as well as legal aspects of their undertakings, look after the intricate affairs of established concerns that desired to improve their business methods, and give advice in all matters requiring careful supervision or reconstruction.
Being a man of unusual ability, he charged reasonable fees for his services, and in the course of a few years was held in such esteem that his advice was much in demand. This work put him in touch with propositions in which he was able to make big profits.
PLAN No. 556. MEN’S APPAREL ADVISER
If we are to consult a doctor when we are sick, a dentist when we have a toothache, a carpenter when we want a house built, then why not consult a specialist in apparel when we want to be properly clothed? That’s what a Denver dealer in men’s clothing and furnishings asked himself, and forthwith proceeded to find the answer.
Carrying an exceptionally fine and very complete line of the “best in men’s wear,” and possessing a taste in matters of dress that won the confidence of his patrons and the envy of his competitors, he decided upon a novel mode of procedure, and carried it out with success.
With tact that conveyed a compliment rather than a criticism, and gave pleasure instead of offense, he skilfully and diplomatically suggested to each of one hundred of his closely intimate male friends that he would appreciate the favor of engaging as their adviser for a year in all matters of dress; in the selection of suits, overcoats, hats, shoes, gloves, and furnishings complete—not so much for the small profit there would be in it, but in order that each man so appareled could be pointed out as a model of perfect taste in dress, when fitted out from the dealer’s stock of men’s accessories, and in accordance with his well-known judgment in matters of that sort. He suggested that his patrons need not spend over $200 to $250 to be well dressed for that entire period.
To every one of these the dealer gave his careful personal attention, devoting hours, if necessary, to the smallest detail of his patrons’ needs, and every man was a living advertisement of this clothing man’s good taste in dress.
PLAN No. 557. ONE-MAN SALES COMPANY
A Seattle man who had had considerable experience in selling goods of various kinds, and had formerly been head buyer for a large department store, which gave him special knowledge of all classes of merchandise, as well as the retail prices of goods, decided to make use of his knowledge, so went into business for himself.