"It's through curiosity and looking at opportunities in new ways that we've always mapped our path at Dell. There's always an opportunity to make a difference."
--- Michael Dell
When looking for alternatives for income to supplement a business during difficult times, it is easy to fall for whatever seems to be the most lucrative, or whatever will carry payroll or other expenses in a downturn. Too often, it is these knee-jerk reactions that can tie up a business person and lock him or her into a long period of turning the focus away from the direction of the business.
Instead, if the focus turned inward and the business was analyzed for other jewels that could be mined from the existing business structure, the business would experience growth ---- lateral growth that could sustain the business now and long term.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
-- Thomas Edison
It's been said that opportunity doesn't knock twice. We all know that it seldom knocks at all. We have to seek it and sometimes that requires looking where we never would have thought of looking before.
"Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently."
-- Henry Ford
Finding the hidden jewels of opportunity in your business isn't always easy. It takes some effort and valuable time, but it is worth every bit of it. Many businesses have found new streams of profits simply by looking at the business in a different way. Since the economy may force some of us to look inwardly to discover new ways to profit, the discoveries may come easier simply out of necessity.
Some examples of businesses that looked inwardly and mined gold include the screen printing businesses finding new outlets for their products. Also, vinyl companies inventing better methods of application and patenting these methods and tools to sell to vehicle wrap shops. The list goes on and on.
"I viewed it as a business, but I always viewed it as a game. An opportunity to show my skills, my basketball skills, amongst the best in the world."
-- Michael Jordan
To find opportunities in your own business requires that you have a strong desire to do so. Once the desire is burning red hot, the ideas begin to flow. Remember to write down every single idea of opportunity that pops in your mind. Don't leave any unwritten. Just writing them down has some kind of magical power to it. You not only begin discovering more and more opportunities, but you begin acting on them and implementing new, profitable centers in your business.
"The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis'. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger-but recognize the opportunity."
-- John F. Kennedy
The crisis that we are in will pass, but we need to take action to get us through to the end. Uncovering opportunities in your own business can bring immediate rewards while helping to expand the depth and breadth of your business.
Cashing in on Digital Signage Opportunities
By Jennifer LeClaire
Are you comfortable speaking the language of digital signage? Get your questions answered by an industry leading digital signage firm and begin selling today.
Read the article...
A Primer on UV-Curable Inkjet Inks
By Jeff Burton
Since 2006, there has been a incredible rush toward the use of UV-curable inks in most of the printing markets. This increase has been driven by new developments in ink technology and demand from printer manufacturers and end users.
Read the article...
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Advertiser - ISA International Sign Expo 2009
ISA International Sign Expo 2009
April 15-18, 2009 - Las Vegas, NV
Register now for ISA International Sign Expo 2009, the largest sign show in the world. April 15-18, 2009 - Las Vegas, Nevada. The industry's signature event is where you'll learn about important industry issues and trends, find the latest sign products, services and technologies. It's that simple.
Not convinced yet? We can point out a few more reasons to attend. There are great educational sessions designed to grow your business and boost your bottom line. Chances to network abound. More than 500 exhibiting companies will be on-site ready to meet you and make deals.
Contact ISA at (703) 836-4012 or expo@signs.org
Visit http://www.signexpo.org for more information.
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Outside a country shop in West Virginia:
"We buy junk and sell antiques"
On a sign in a convenience store in Sacramento CA:
"Golden, Ripe, Boneless Bananas, 39 Cents A Pound"
As seen on an electric cattle prod:
"For use on animals only."
We know those funny signs are out there. Take a moment and send them in to us and we'll share them with the world. Send all hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.
