"Spring in the world! And all things are made new!"
--- Richard Hovey
Although it may not feel like it just yet, Spring is almost here! Historically, the season of Spring has always been a time of renewal, hope, and time to throw out the old to make room for the new.
As this relates to your business, Spring is also a good time to renew your business perspective. Take a moment to look at how you view your business. How does it compare to how your team members view it? How about your suppliers? Now, how do your customers view your business?
"The people who are doing the work are the moving force behind the Macintosh. My job is to create a space for them, to clear out the rest of the organization and keep it at bay."
--- Steve Jobs
Try to find areas of your business that could use a good sweeping. Are you spending too much time on areas of the business that do not bring in a profit? Take a good look at every corner of the business to determine what areas you might be able to eliminate or revamp to be a better producer. It may be as simple as changing how you produce a vinyl sign or performing major surgery by eliminating a product or service altogether.
In 1997, PepsiCo, the maker of Pepsi-Cola sold off its restaurant holdings that included Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Kentucky Fried Chicken, in order to re-focus on its core business of providing quality beverages. They then bought Tropicana Products, Quaker Oats (maker of Gatorade), Izze, and a portion of South Beach Beverage Company, maker of Sobe noncarbonated drinks. This major shakeup was necessary in order for PepsiCo to strengthen its position as a leader in the beverage industry.
"The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow."
--- Rupert Murdoch
This time of year is as good as ever for analyzing how your team members perform specific tasks. By performing a job analysis on each employee, you may reveal wasted steps in the process, duplication of job functions, and misunderstandings of how each part of the process plays a role in the final outcome.
This information can then help you to streamline your business while improving the quality of your products and services.
"We are always saying to ourself...we have to innovate. We got to come up with that breakthrough. In fact, the way software works...so long as you are using your existing software.. you don't pay us anything at all. So we're only paid for breakthroughs."
--- Bill Gates
In the process of Spring cleaning, your knowledge of your business improves and you will get a better perspective of your business "machine." With a cleaner, leaner business, you are now afforded the opportunity to brainstorm new products, new services, and new directions. Depending on what state you are in, you still might not be able to open the windows for some fresh air, but the fresh ideas will feel just as good.
"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."
--- Philip Knight
It Costs How Much? Determining What It Costs to Sell Your Signs the Right Way.
By Mark E Battersby
Pricing your products or services sold is determined first by costing. Do you have any idea of what it costs to sell a sign or banner? For that matter, what does it cost to open the doors to your sign business each day? Pertinent questions that will influence your pricing.
Read the article...
Laser Engraving Part IV: Using your System as a Cutting Tool
By Diane Bosworth
The same laser engraving system that engraves on many products and materials may also serve as a very powerful and versatile cutting too as well. Read on to get some ideas.
Read the article...
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Advertiser - ISA International Sign Expo 2008
ISA International Sign Expo 2008
March 26-29, 2008 - Orlando, FL
Register now for ISA International Sign Expo 2008. March 26-29, 2008 * Orlando, Florida.
Produced by the International Sign Association, this is the largest sign show in the world and the industry's signature event. It's where you'll find the latest sign products, services and technologies, and where you'll learn from the experts in hands-on, in-depth educational sessions in ISA's Discovery Seminar Series.
Visit http://www.signexpo.org for more information.
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As seen on a fence in north Georgia:
"Warning: Pit Bull With Aids"
On a 1998 Saturn somewhere in PA:
"This Vehicle Protected by Antitheft Sticker"
On a dry cleaner's window in Austin, TX:
"Drop Your Pants Here and You Will Receive Prompt Attention"
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.
