"There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, simple and useful life."
--- Booker T. Washington
Whether we intend to or not, we affect others through our influence. We can choose to let that influence be for good or evil, but we still leave a mark in this life. John Maxwell says that while everyone exercises influence, the size and strength of our influence depends upon our effort. No one leads well without paying the price of discipline. As we push ourselves to grow and to learn, we enlarge our sphere of influence.
Regardless of our backgrounds and life experiences, we can still use our influence in a positive manner to encourage and build others who will encourage and build others. Kind of like Amway, without the products and high pressure tactics.
"Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence."
--- Henri Frederic Amiel
Your influence doesn't shut down when you leave the office or out of view of your team. All of your actions at all times can be influential. That is why we should determine now what our core values are and stick to them. When we are walking what we believe, others take notice and are influenced. Your values can be self-serving, based on greed and take, take, take. Or, they can be of a positive, noble nature. Either way can influence others.
"The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others."
--- Henry Ward Beecher
Sociologists tell us that even the shyest introvert will influence 10,000 people over the course of his or her lifetime. I find it difficult to believe that I can even influence my family, but it is true and you can't undo the truth. Your sphere of influence is probably much larger than you believe too. Perhaps it is time to seriously look at how we are running our business. Are we ethical in our business practices? Does honesty prevail? Do we strive for excellence in all that we do, in every nook and cranny of our business?
"Let him that would move the world, first move himself."
--- Socrates
In the '60s, it was hip to "find yourself." People were doing all kinds of things to discover who they were. While you don't need to climb to the top of a high mountain and smoke the funny stuff, we all should take time to put to paper our personal statement. This is a tool used to document not only your personal goals, but more importantly, a description of your characteristics. These are things that make up who you are and include your values such as integrity, compassions, and desires. This is for your eyes only and it helps if you can refer to it every so often as a reminder of what you stand for.
"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
--- Mark Twain
Most of the time, people will not let you know that you are influencing them. Sometimes, they don't even know it. But since you are aware of your influence, why not strive to make it all positive? Your actions and your words are impacting others. Begin today shaping and reshaping your span of control for the sake of others. Your business will profit from it and your world will be better for it.
"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another."
--- Napoleon Hill
Understanding Large-Format Applications
By David Goetter
The scientific approach to purchasing manufacturing equipment that will meet your customers' needs. There are many opinions, but you need to match your customers needs for their application, not the salesperson's opinion of what they are selling.
Read the article...
Seamless Wraps 101 - Deciding when to go seamless and when not to.
By Jennifer LeClaire
Seamless wraps demand careful planning - and even then they can be a challenge. Find out how to approach a seamless wrap and when to consider a partial wrap instead.
Read the article...
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Advertiser - 5th ANNUAL Building Your Digital Signage Business Conference
The 5th ANNUAL Building Your Digital Signage Business Conference
November 18-19, 2009 - Chicago, IL
Meet all the key players in the digital signage business value chain. This is the correct time to drive growth through partnerships. Attend The 5th ANNUAL Building Your Digital Signage Business Conference, being held on November 18th & 19th, 2009 at Downtown Chicago, IL.
Take advantage of these benefits:
- Get on the short-list when decision-makers are considering their options
- Spread the word on your latest products, features and solutions
- Gauge the competition and determine opportunities for growth
- Learn what buyers are looking for and meet their needs
- Form new alliances and collaborate with industry stakeholders
In a think tank atmosphere, industry thought leaders will share their best practices, strategies and tools for success. This is a well-regarded event with unparallel networking opportunities - including the digital signage YEAR-END SOCIAL - it is where industry movers and shakers gather.
Benefit from Sign Industry's sponsorship - Mention code 9030-SI10 for an exclusive 10% discount off the current registration price.
Please visit for details: http://www.strategyinstitute.com/111809_bdsb5/dsp.php
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Recently seen homeless signs:
"Wife has been kidnapped. I'm short $.98 for ransom!"
"Time Traveler: Need $$$ for new flux capacitor!"
"Betcha can't hit me with a quarter!"
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.
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Advertiser - The International Sign Association’s International Sign Expo
The International Sign Association’s International Sign Expo
Orlando, Florida, April 7–10, 2010
See What One Show Can Do!
Returning to Orlando with the latest sign trends and technologies driving the growth of the visual communications industry. Register today!
There’s plenty to boost your bottom line at the largest sign show in the world:
- Eye-catching Exhibits — including the New Product Showcase and ISA’s Green Product Showcase
- Expert Education — presenting 60 new ISA Sign Academy sessions
- Exciting Special Events — featuring a keynote from Roger Shultz of NBC’s The Biggest Loser
Find it all at ISA International Sign Expo 2010.
Education and networking events start April 7
Trade show floor open April 8–10
For more information, contact ISA at (703) 836-4012 or expo@signs.org.
Register and book housing today!
http://www.signexpo.org
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