Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
--- Benjamin Franklin
If you get a chance this week, take a look around your neighborhood and count the number of folks walking, running or biking with their new fitness outfits. It happens every year: New Year's resolutions in action. Some are looking to lose weight, quit smoking and get rid of old habits.
Hopefully, you've had a chance to review the past year and come up with some of your own resolutions or goals for your business. It is a healthy way to add new life to the way things are done in your company.
Training was a time where resolutions made in the enthusiasm of an inspired moment were put to personal test.
--- Herb Elliott
Looking back, it is easy to see where some of last year's resolutions were not met and where some actually helped to improve the bottom line. We hope that you enjoyed a prosperous 2004 and that much was gleaned to inspire you to take action in 2005.
One area of concern with many business leaders is motivating employees to live up to their potential. Recognizing that each person has their own unique gifts to contribute, is the first important step.
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut.
--- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Most of us want our employees to be content in their jobs knowing that contentment means productivity. Of course, finding the balance between training an individual to perform well in their job and utilizing their talents is a challenge. We often discover the frustrating truth that the person being trained is actually better suited for a different position. Their talent is in another area and the sooner that is discovered, the better off your company will be.
If you have great talents, industry will improve them: if you have but moderate abilities, industry will supply their deficiency.
--- Sir Joshua Reynolds
Many tests are available to help you discover the talents and gifts of your employees. It may be wise beginning the New Year with a discovery of who is best suited for what. The Myers-Briggs exam and other good resources are available online and in the local library to help you with this. One good organization that may be able to assist you is The Society for Human Resource Management (online at www.shrm.org).
Like a kick in the butt, the force of events wakes slumberous talents.
--- Edward Hoagland
Some of your team members probably don't know what talents they possess or they don't know how to use them. Motivating these employees may require some innovative methods, but once their gifts are determined, inspiring and motivating them should become a priority.
The work of the individual still remains the spark that moves mankind ahead even more than teamwork.
--- Igor Sikorsky
While much research has been conducted in business on the effects of teambuilding, team projects and team thinking, the core of success still depends on the individual. A good team is made up of many talented team members.
Finding the talents of each team member and using them in the design of your business plan is the key ingredient to a profitable business in 2005!
The good teacher … discovers the natural gifts of his pupils and liberates them by the stimulating influence of the inspiration that he can impart. The true leader makes his followers twice the men they were before.
--- Stephen Neill
TOYS 'R US: Toys with Digital Signage
By Louis Brill
The Center of the Toy Universe can be found in Times Square and it's operated by Toys 'R Us. With 110,000 square feet of various toy shopping zones, all aligned within three floors of merchandising space, the toy universe is a vast space.
Read the article...
Take It Outside...Current Trends in Out-of-Home Signage, Part III
By Johnny Duncan
In this section, we will look at the potential of expanding your business into vehicle wraps.
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Benefits of Flexible-Face Mounting Systems
By Jennifer LeClaire
Vendors are manufacturing a variety of mounting systems to making installing flexible face signage a snap (and click).
Read the article...
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As seen on the window of a barber shop in Columbia, SC:
"During vacation of owner, a competent hair stylist will be here."
At a bookstore:
"Rare, out-of-print, and nonexistent books"
On a window of a New Hampshire burger restaurant:
"Yes, we are open. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Have you seen any funny signs lately? Why not share them with the world? Send your comments, suggestions, and hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.