"Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time."
--- Mark Twain
Well, another new beginning is upon us. If you are keeping current with your magazine reading, website blogs, and news channels, you are being inundated with advice on setting resolutions. Don't worry; we won't do that to you. You've probably experienced enough pain with the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Of course, there are some proven steps you can take to make your business more profitable right out of the gate in '07. Consider them tips, advice, tools… anything but resolutions.
"Before you can really start setting financial goals, you need to determine where you stand financially."
--- David Bach
First, take stock of where your company stands now compared to your goals and plans. Like the annoying, repetitive question asked on every vacation: "Are we there yet?," should be your inquiry as well.
Take a look at the course your business is on and see what needs to be done to correct the direction if you need to.
"Most people struggle with life balance simply because they haven't paid the price to decide what is really important to them."
--- Steven Covey
Second, for the next sixty days, work on a new marketing plan for your products and services. Stick to the sixty day task until you've created a plan that will serve your company for the remaining ten months.
Outside of the daily business activities, focus all energy and effort on completing this plan. You will be tempted to abandon the project, but set your mind now to have the "do or die" attitude. You'll be surprised at how much you will learn about your company and how much return you will receive on just two months investment.
"Leaders need to be optimists. Their vision is beyond the present."
--- Rudy Giuliani
Thirdly, pick one night per week for two hours or more for you. This time is for you to get alone and visualize what your company will look like 2, 5, and 10 years from now. Do this through the month of January.
Use this time to complete this exercise: Take out a notepad and list the top ten goals of your company, but list them as if they have already occurred. For example, number one might be "ABC Sign increased profits by 130 percent in '07," or "ABC expanded territory to three counties, states, etc." Then, list the steps needed to get to those positively stated destinations.
"We wanted Nike to be the world's best sports and fitness company. Once you say that, you have a focus. You don't end up making wing tips or sponsoring the next Rolling Stones world tour."
--- Phillip Knight
Finally, for the next 21 days visit or read about businesses outside of your industry. Pick up a trade journal for boat manufacturing, food sales, or movie productions. Learn how other businesses are succeeding. This is a great way to get ideas that you can bring into the sign industry to help your business.
We get stale rubbing elbows with sign people only. Expand your imagination by going outside of yourself and learning from other industries. By the way, 21 days every day is not that difficult. (Try replacing your reading material in that special place you visit every morning. It saves time!).
"You have to put in many, many, many tiny efforts that nobody sees or appreciates before you achieve anything worthwhile."
--- Brian Tracy
Submarine Surfaces in Underground Exhibit Hall - Signage Tells the Tale
By Louis M Brill
It was a sailor's nightmare during WW II. Leaning against the ship's rail, binoculars scanning the cold, Atlantic waters, a foaming white wake streaks through the waves and heads broadside for a direct strike against the Liberty ship.
Read the article...
Develop Your Plan for a Profitable Year
By Mark Roberts
If your sign business activity last year did not create happiness, excitement and massive profits for you and your family, then let’s have a look at how a few simple things can make a difference this year.
Read the article...
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View the archive now
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Advertiser - ISA International Sign Expo 2007
ISA International Sign Expo 2007
Step into the World of Global Sign Products and Services
The International Sign Association (ISA) invites you to join us in Las Vegas April 11-14 for ISA International Sign Expo 2007 to be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center. We're expecting 22,000 attendees this year, with more than 1,700 exhibit booths representing sign suppliers and distributors at the world's largest sign show! Enhance your technical, graphic and management skills by attending our educational programs, including 29 Discovery Seminar Series, seven digital-focused seminars and three discussion forums. We'll feature a new online showcase linking exhibitors to attendees that you can find here: www.signexpo.org.
For more information on the Expo, and to register for the show, go to:
www.signexpo.org or contact ISA directly at (703) 836-4012 or meetings@signs.org.
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A sign held by a homeless man in Times Square, NY:
"Why lie? I need a beer!"
Seen somewhere in Wisconsin:
"Burns Funeral Home: Crematory"
Sign seen outside of a convenient store in Frankfurt, KT:
"Slightly Used Toilet Paper for Sale (in good condition)"
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.
