"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to
dance."
--- Bible: Hebrew Ecclesiastes
Timing is everything in business. Some businesses rely on accurate timing to make or break a sale and others, like day trading, must use accurate timing precision to execute orders. Some savvy entrepreneurs will time the market to decide when to release a product while some un-scrupulous ones will use timing to their benefit as well, as in the case of those who take advantage of our hurricanes to sell water and generators at over 300% markup.
"Time rushes by and yet time is frozen. Funny how we get so exact about time at the end of life and at its beginning. She died at 6:08 or 3:46, we say, or the baby was born at 4:02. But in between we slosh through huge swatches of time-weeks, months, years, decades even."
--- Helen Prejean
Controlling the time that we have available to us is one of the greatest challenges facing business owners. It was W. Edward Deming who famously observed that 85% of all operational failures are the fault of fallible managers, not failing workers. His point is irrefutable. Managers alone have the power to establish systems, and systems, which include thoughtful management of time, largely determine the quality of outputs
In planning your day, consider the time element for everyone on your team. This is not to say that you must practice micro-management, but keep tabs on the management of time by all of your team members. You may find that they need your advice and input on effectively managing their work time.
"Time goes, you say? Ah, no! Alas, Time stays, we go."
--- Henry Austin Dobson
It is sickening to hear yet again, "we all have 24 hours in a day." But how do you begin prioritizing your time? You start by identifying the number one way you can most increase profits by use of your time; then the number two way; then the third way; etc. This short list of time priorities forms the foundation for your time planning for every week of the year.
Then, with your goals in mind, (and on paper), begin prioritizing projects and events for your team members. Have them share their time management plan and make sure that they sync up with the company's goals.
"Time is a very bankrupt and owes more than he's worth to season. Nay, he's a thief too: have you not heard men say, That Time comes stealing on by night and day?"
--- William Shakespeare
Time only needs "managing" because we don't seem to have enough time to do everything we want and need to do. In particular, we never seem able to "find time" for those important but not urgent activities.
Stop looking. You'll never find time. It isn't lost. You're living it. You have to consciously decide to live it in certain ways and not others. You have to make time by taking it away from one activity and giving it to another.
"Time flies like an arrow; the days and nights alternate as fast as a weaver's shuttle."
--- Chinese proverb
Efficiency expert Michael Fortino states that in your lifetime you will spend seven years in the bathroom, six years eating, five years waiting in line, three years in meetings, two years playing telephone tag, eight months opening junk mail, and six months sitting at red lights.
Why not change this expert's findings in your life and business. Begin today creating your own time management plan. You will be amazed at your efficiency and productivity if you do.
Seaming Vinyl Banners: To Stitch or Not to Stitch?
By Jennifer LeClaire
Double-lock stitching increases the durability and improves the appearance of the banner. It is just the most time consuming method. Find out when the time investment is worth the durability payoff.
Read the article...
Wrapping Vegas
By Jennifer LeClaire
The basic elements are the same with wraps of all sizes, but large mass transit wraps offer some additional challenges that offer valuable lessons from graphics installers of all shapes and sizes.
Read the article...
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Advertiser - SGIA '06
All Signs Point to SGIA ’06
September 26-29, 2006 - Las Vegas
See what’s around the bend at SGIA ’06.
When you cruise the show floor, you’ll:
- Open new doors to business success
- Think innovation and inspiration.
- Think new markets.
- Think success!
In addition to seeing the latest technologies — hardware, software and consumables — you’ll build your personal network and your knowledge base all at the same time.
Register by July 15th and get a Free Expo Pass
Go to:
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Notice in a field:
"The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges"
Sign at a barber's saloon in Delhi:
"We need your heads to run our business"
Seen on a bulletin board:
"Success is relative. More the success, more the relatives"
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.
