"Nobody can think straight who does not work. Idleness warps the mind."
--- Henry Ford
Since history repeats itself, it is probably a good time to brace for the upcoming gluttony and greed phase. This is the phase that usually follows the upswing in our economy. Typically, as in at least the past 100 years, once the economy begins to improve, new and improved methods of deceit and dishonest business ventures spring forth.
The best way to prepare to deal with the ravenous wolves is to stay the course of your business plan and to awaken your discernment skills.
"You don't have to be the biggest to beat the biggest."
--- Ross Perot
To avoid the trap yourself, remember that your business plan is the one that will take you to your goals only. You don't need to follow the course of anyone else---- especially the businesses that make it big overnight. Their downfall will usually come just as fast, but if it doesn't, what is it to you?
Just continue steering the ship on the course that you know and remember the basic principles that have profited you thus far. Little by little your business will grow as well as your good reputation.
"I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well."
--- Alan Greenspan
In the 1980's, businesses were gobbling up businesses at record pace. There were more and more conglomerates that came to fruition overnight than ever in the history of our nation. Unfortunately, not many are left to tell about their rise to the top. A lot of money was made dishonestly and a lot of people were left jobless because of the feeding frenzy.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with mergers and acquisitions when done with integrity, but it is usually the steady prodding of honest, hard work that builds success for owners, employees and communities.
"I have developer's disease. I love to sit at a drafting table and draw plans for hotels, wrestling with problems of traffic and the flow of people. That's what turns me on."
--- Steve Wynn
One of the key factors that help sign companies rise to the top is a relentless passion that is not only experienced at the top of the organization, but is instilled to every one in the company. A driving force that no unethical temptation can break and no amount of greed can penetrate.
Whether it is designing, building, selling, installing, etc.--- whatever it is that makes you want to show up for work each day, that is what will propel your plan along its course.
"If we are together nothing is impossible. If we are divided all will fail."
--- Winston Churchill
Now is probably a good time to make sure that your team members are clear on the direction of the company. Maybe posting your mission or vision statement for all to read might be the tool needed to communicate your plan. Or, perhaps it is time for a company party with prizes for employees who know the answer to company direction-related questions.
Do whatever it takes to make sure that everyone on board is rowing the same way!
"Lust and greed are more gullible than innocence."
--- Mason Cooley
Rent, Lease or Finance Your Sign Equipment
By Mark E. Battersby
Find the right answer to the question of whether your sign business should rent, lease or own the equipment used in your operations. Few sign professionals are able to accept the fact that there is no one right answer that fits everyone or every situtation.
Read the article...
CRM Part IV: Improving Sales and Customer Loyalty
By Johnny Duncan
In this, the final in a series of articles revealing how Customer Relationship Management (CRM) can transform your business to a new profitable level, we will address the selling and customer loyalty strategies that you can implement through CRM.
Read the article...
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As seen on a billboard ad for a safe company:
"If your stuff is stolen, it's not our vault."
From the side of a box truck:
"Bill's Septic Cleaning: We Haul American Made Products"
Advertisement found near college in Indiana:
"Get a Little John -- The Traveling Urinal: Holds 2-1/2 Bottles of Beer."
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.