“Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter can be said to remedy anything.” — Kurt Vonnegut
FOR MY 37TH birthday I treated myself to a tattoo. Being that I was well into adulthood and thoroughly unimpressed with the experience, this quote from Cat’s Cradle really spoke to me. Do not ask me why I felt the need to print it indelibly on my body, where it is, or ask to see it … it will creep me out. You’ll just have to take my word for it. The tattoo may have been foolhardy but I stand by the sentiment, “laughter can remedy anything.”
It has been a rough couple of years — and challenges remain — but humor has gotten many of us through it. I understand that people are more mindful now and things we once didn’t give a second thought to laughing at are no longer appropriate — let’s be honest, they never really were — so it can be a minefield out there. But the solution isn’t to abandon laughter; it is to get better at what we’re laughing at. To that end, we’ve provided a primer for humor at work in our Big Story on page 42.
Clearly, I have a healthy appreciation for humor in life and in the workplace and what’s funnier than data? I’m being a bit facetious here but data is actually important to humor. The comedic greats are always collecting data to fine tune their bits and you should be doing the same in your business. Our Special Feature (Knowledge = Power on page 50) tells you not only what data you should be collecting (hint: you likely already are) but how you should be using it… and that’s the pay off.
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Miraculously, Dr. Steve Vargo seamlessly combines these two themes in his column on page 60 talking about the use of humor to collect data! Amazing.
Nothing is permanent — even tattoos — comedians know this and they are relentlessly refining their acts. Yes, and … An eyecare business needs to be doing the same; constantly collecting data and improving how they use it to create a better experience for their patients and customers.
Best wishes for your business,
Five Smart Tips From This Issue
- Do you include a link to pay in your text reminders? Maybe you should start studying a revamp of your communication system now. (Managers’ To-Do, page 26)
- Specialties are where it’s at … and neuro-optometric rehabilitation is in demand. (Better Vision, page 38)
- To TikTok or not to TikTok? We help answer the question. (Ask INVISION, page 64)
- First impressions are important. How does the reception your business gives stack up? (Benchmarks, page 68)
- Worried that independent eyecare is dying? Hogwash! Hear what your peers really think. (Buzz Session, page 72)
