"And while the law of competition may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it ensures the survival of the fittest in every department."
--- Andrew Carnegie
Fear can make wimps of us all. Fear has a crippling affect on a business and can destroy one's health. Left unchecked, fear will paralyze the mind and body leaving a shell of a person to meander through the motions of life.
The good news is that fear can be turned into a positive giving a person renewed energy and strength. You remember the "fight or flight" reflex: you can either run or grit your teeth and dig in.
"I am certainly not one of those who need to be prodded. In fact, if anything, I am the prod."
--- Winston Churchill
Every industry has mavericks that take action and create new, profitable forms of business. Then, everyone else reacts. Some get fearful and just try to stay afloat while others attempt to get a piece of the maverick's pie.
Ever so often, take a step away from the business and look at the industry as a whole. Try to predict where the market is heading and what new products might be the next big bang (sounds easy enough!). The key here is to look at your business from a different perspective with a true entrepreneur's eye.
"A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought."
--- Warren Buffett
The stock market has been anything but steady these past few weeks. Many "experts" fear that panic may set in and cause a sell-off that could cripple the US economy.
If you were to listen to just a small portion of the nightly news when the market dropped over 400 points, it would cause a person to sell the house, the kids, and the dog, and find a hole to crawl into. Step number one to rid fear from your business is to stay away from the doomsayers and people with bad attitudes.
"Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit."
--- Napoleon Hill
Years ago, security personnel at Pan Am were concerned about the number of miniature bottles of liquor that were disappearing, so they rigged a clock device to the liquor cabinet to record times of the thefts. A flight attendant heard the ticking and thought it was a bomb on board. The captain rerouted the plane to Berlin where passengers were evacuated via emergency exits. Unscheduled landing: $15,000. Little bottles of liquor: 35 cents each. Look on the security manager's face: priceless.
Step number two is don't give up, but don't just work harder either. Your greatest asset is your brain so use it to get creative. Don't panic. Panic costs money. Do creative exercises; brainstorm on paper and with your team members.
"I read about eight newspapers in a day. When I'm in a town with only one newspaper, I read it eight times."
--- Will Rogers
Step number three is take steps to increase your industry knowledge and business savvy and invent new ways to outthink your competition, new economic conditions, or industry changes. Between the Internet, trade magazines, trade associations, and the good ole public library, you should never run out of good material for increasing your industry knowledge. Remember, knowledge combats fear!
Navigating To Complete Color Workflow Management
By Mike Adams
The explosion of digital imaging and printing in the sign industry has left many in the business in something of a conundrum. Here's this wonderful new machine on the floor that did such incredible things at the tradeshow, but how do you make it do them, do them consistently, and do them profitably?
Read the article...
Lenticular and 3D Commercial Sign Applications
By Izzy Bromberg
Studies have shown that 3D increases the stopping power of advertisements by as much as five times and increases the staying power by four times in relation to 2D ads.
Read the article...
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Advertiser - Digital Signage 2007
Digital Signage 2007
Discovering the Power of Digital Signage,
Influencing Buyer Behavior and Increasing ROI
March 26 - 28, 2007 · The Standard Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
www.iqpc.com/NA-11167-001/si
The 2007 Digital Signage Summit will feature back to back case studies across all industries on how to make better use of Digital Signage (DS) technology to increase your bottom line.
Hear from:
REUTERS AMERICA, INC. | AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR | ACCUWEATHER, INC. | MEDIA PLACE (a Harley-Davidson, Inc case-study)| BORDERS GROUP, INC. | NIKE | THE WEATHER CHANNEL INTERACTIVE | MAYO CLINIC | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA | BIRMINGHAM | CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (CBC) | NASTECH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY, INC. | HONEYWELL ADI
Learn About:
- Laying the Framework and Considering Network Connection to Prepare for A Digital Signage Project
- Using Interactivity for Digital Signs
- Determining the Right Content
- Benchmarking Best Practices for Enterprise Digital Signage
- Understanding the Idea of Constituent Outreach
- Using Digital Signage in the Global Retail Market
- Understanding How Brands and Content Providers Evaluate Signage Partnership Opportunities
- Integrating Digital Signage as a Part of the Overall Advertising Mix
- Using the Partnership Model
To register call 1-800-882-8684 or visit us online at www.iqpc.com/NA-11167-001/si
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Sign on a construction site:
"The Spare Key to the First Aid Room is available in the First Aid Room"
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"
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.
