For years I’ve encouraged account executives and estimators to provide their customers with meaningful options on their letters of quote whether or not their customers requested it. A quote with surprising options can lead to customer discussions that put you in charge of winning that work.

Passion is what should ignite customers, owners, employees, vendors, and even suppliers. Do your customers announce you as a passionate provider because you are committed to providing exceptional quality and superior service? Here’s what passion is…

Employees leaving is more rampant in our industry than anyone cares to talk about, heck, it’s even referenced as, The Great Resignation! Employees are not leaving because they have better opportunities elsewhere…read more if you want to know why.

We are being reminded that "Freedom isn't Free." Most of us are unaware of the personal price most of our "Signers of the Declaration of Independence" paid. The price these men, their families, and many other men and women have paid for you and me to have the choices and freedoms we are allowed.

Most of us have experienced a printing project that exasperated every corner within the four walls of our facility. You may have even tagged it with a name that summarizes your internal feelings, A story of doing what it takes to elate the customer.

We must relearn to cooperate and compromise – and clarify the rules of a God-fearing society to solve our collective problems, or we are on our way to losing our democracy. It's not just about what I want. Inflation does not appear to be the total problem, though it certainly is a part of the problem that's being created.

Investing in new equipment and leading-edge technologies enables businesses to be more agile and responsive as customers' needs and wants change. But you must have been terrified (a.k.a., scared to death) to sign the paperwork. You did conduct your due diligence. Right?

Pay and benefits are important. But a "Positive Atmosphere" and "Genuine Goodwill" are impossible to fake or compensate with only pay. Do your homework, and don't just "play" with good suggestions and ideas; put them into action.

Few of us know the depth of benefits we enjoy from sacrifices by those who have gone before us. More recently, earlier decisions from our leaders, designed to avoid tough decisions, did not deter our adversaries, but rather emboldened them to pursue their ambitions.

Okay, so I took Trade Shows for granted. Well, not anymore! Thanks to industry associations like the International Sign Association, we are back to business bigger and better than ever! I am not sure who needed the Sign Expo 2022 more, the exhibitors or the attendees. See more…