"You are surrounded by simple, obvious solutions that can dramatically increase your income, power, influence and success. The problem is that you just don't see them."
--- Jay Abraham
Problems are a way of life for business owners. Actually, the new buzzword is challenges. It is just a new way of sugar-coating the facts and putting somewhat of a positive spin on it. It is the same thing as calling surgery a "procedure" and a suspect a "person of interest".
Regardless of the fragrance used to cover up the smell, these "challenges" are still good-ole, thorn-in-your-side, aggravating problems and finding solutions to them consumes the largest part of your day.
"We may need to solve problems not by removing the cause but by designing the way forward even if the cause remains in place."
--- Edward de Bono
You may have heard the positive-mental-attitude (PMA) thinking chant of the '70s, "When faced with a mountain, I will find a way over it, around it, or through it, but I will find a way!" This type of thinking is necessary in order to keep trucking throughout your day, but the thinking alone will not make you the king or queen of problem-solving.
Each problem solved helps to develop an inner strength and mental muscle memory that you can call on when faced with similar problems in the future. This allows you to develop a mental plan that you can use with your PMA to rapidly come up with solutions.
"There is a certain degree of satisfaction in having the courage to admit one's errors. It not only clears up the air of guilt and defensiveness, but often helps solve the problem created by the error."
--- Dale Carnegie
If the problems are self-created, the best plan of attack is to stop doing what you were doing that led to the problem. Simple! (Side road: there was a recent, expensive study conducted to determine the root cause of alcoholism, and the finding was that it is caused by drinking.)
Seriously, we often get too busy to analyze our own actions. It is easier to pass the buck and not consider that little changes on our part might reduce some of the headaches we face daily.
"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
--- Abraham Maslow
Branching out to study other industries, reading deeper into your segment of the industry, and taking classes on running a business will all help to equip you with an arsenal of problem-solving tools.
Incorporate daily, weekly, and monthly learning activities into your business schedule and watch your problems become easier to solve or manage.
"I now know that I learn by solving problems as they arise. Rarely do we learn significant lessons, or significantly improve, any other way."
--- Bob Parsons
Finally, tackle the tough issues as they arise. Procrastination is the disease of the failing businesses. Muster up the energy to always face problems when they occur and don't delay in implementing solutions.
"Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds."
--- Norman Vincent Peale
Color and Luminance Uniformity Correction for LED Video Screens
By Scott Harris
LED video screens are amazing. They are bright enough to see in broad daylight; they can stand up to severe weather conditions, they last almost forever, and they consume far less power than CRT technology. If only they weren’t so blotchy! This article explains the causes of luminance and color non-uniformity in LED screens, and what screen manufactures can and are doing to fix these problems.
Read the article...
Adversity Gives You Strength!
By John Boe
How can you stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times and a sluggish economy? How do you persevere as a salesperson when times are tough and customers seem to be holding on to every penny in fear of economic uncertainty?
Read the article...
Looking for an article or trying to find an old one? Check out the SignIndustry.com article archive:
View the archive now
|
Advertiser - Power Signs 2007
Power Signs 2007
The Future of Digital Signage
3rd Annual Conference & Exhibition
- Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Fort Lauderdale, Florida - December 4-5
Early Bird discount expires October 19th! Sign-up now and SAVE $100!
Call Mike Robert: 207-781-9631 or email: mrobert@intertechusa.com
To register online or for further information click below:
Featured speakers:
Michael Hudes, Global Director of Digital Media, Clear Channel Outdoor
Robert Winston, Senior Account Manager, Arbitron Out-of-Home
Terry Kollman, President & CEO, Charter Digital Media
Pat Hellberg, Director, Brand Design Media, Nike
Plus!
A lively panel discussion moderated by conference chair Lyle Bunn, Strategy Architect, Alchemy with Bill Gerba, CEO, WireSpring Technologies, Jeff Kresse, Senior Digital Signage Specialist, The Digital Signage Group and Merritt Allen, Executive Director, Vox Optima
An exhibit area for displaying the latest products and technologies
Digital Signage: Industry Fundamentals & Technology Considerations in Measuring Effectiveness - pre-conference workshop instructed by Hermes Iordanous of Novramedia Inc. and Roel Vertegaal of Queen's University and Xuuk, Inc.
Networking with over 100 industry leaders from all segments of the digital signage supply chain!
Click here ( www.intertechusa.com/powersigns ) for further information and to register online. Early Bird Discount Ends October 19th and Sign-up now and SAVE $100!
|
|
A sign at a Japanese airport translated for the English-speaking vistors:
"For Restrooms, Go back towards your behind."
Shopping mall near handicap parking lot:
"Stupidity is not a handicap! Park elsewhere!"
At a country diner in Georgia:
"If we weren't meant to eat animals then why are they made of meat?"
If you've read these before, sorry, but if you haven't sent in any new ones, shame on you. We know those funny signs are out there. Why not share them with the world? Send your comments, suggestions, and hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.
