Life Is a Neverending Cycle of Hurry Up and Wait

PUTTING OUT A monthly magazine is a reoccurring cycle of hurry up and wait. Waiting for writers to turn in their stories, then hurrying to edit them and get them to the graphic designers. Waiting for those pages to come back from the designers, then hurrying to make necessary cuts and changes and move them to the next stage of production. Waiting to see the final product … and then hurrying to start the process all over again next month.

It is a predictable pattern but every month it is still a harrowing race to the finish line. Anxiety-inducing if you will. That’s one of the main reasons this issue’s Big Story — Overcoming Anxiety — holds a special place in my heart. For many, anxiety is a very real thing … I am one of those people. Even if you don’t consider yourself someone who suffers from anxiety, the last few years have stressed all of us out more than usual and there are sure to be a few tips in there you could benefit from. Turn to page 32 to check it out.

Making sure you’re making time for fun is a great way to combat stress and anxiety. If you need to incorporate more fun into your life, take a page out of the practice featured in this month’s Best of the Best (page 42). They made team bonding such a priority that they established a

“Fun Committee.” It’s one of the most innovative staff engagement ideas we’ve come across in a while.

Of course, the rest of the issue is full of great ideas too, so take a moment to slow down, relax, and have a little fun … we’ll wait.

Best wishes for your business,

Five Smart Tips From This Issue

We’ve long touted the importance of a relationship with your local school nurses. If you haven’t established them yet, mark your calendars.(Calendar, page 18)
Are you part of the 44% of U.S. ECPs who offer in-office finishing? Have you though you might like to be? (Better Vision, page 28)
You’ve likely got around $50,000 just sitting there. We’ve got four things you can do to optimize your return on that investment. (Columns, page 48)
These days, new customers like to know exactly what they’re walking into. That’s where virtual tours on your website and Google listing can really set you apart. (Benchmarks, page 50)
As drug laws change around the country, have you revisited your business’s drug policy? (Real Deal, page 54)

Deirdre Carroll

Having built a career in service journalism, Dee has been covering the eyecare industry for over a decade. As editor-in-chief of INVISION Magazine, she is passionate about telling independent ECPs stories and can be reached directly at dee@invisionmag.com.