WE ALL TELL ourselves lies. Some are ugly and meant to keep us feeling small, but some we tell ourselves to make us feel better. For instance, I like to think I thrive under pressure and that when I’m under the gun to get things done, I’m able to sort through all the noise and focus on the things that are really important. You know, really distill the problem down to its most crucial elements and then tackle it … but I think that may all just be a sophisticated justification for my serious procrastination problem and lack of strategic planning skills.
Certainly, after reading our Big Story on the importance of actually planning for how you’ll reach your goals instead of just setting them and hoping they happen, I am feeling like I’ve just been lying to myself for a very long time. If you too could use a brush up on a few effective approaches to strategic planning, check out our story — Far Sighted — on page 30.
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The theme really struck a chord with our columnists this month too, so be sure to get their takes on approaching your goals starting on page 40. I really enjoyed Dr. Brianna Rhue’s take on flipping your attitude toward conferences to become the shark and not the prey. And we could all use a refresher on using QR Codes to their best advantage in our businesses.
Like I said, we all tell ourselves lies … like telling myself I would finish this issue before I left for MIDO so I didn’t have to scramble to do so in between appointments and events in Italy. But at the end of the day, the truth always comes out … as I finish this note on a train to Rome two days before it needs to be at the printer. My best advice: Don’t be like me!
Best wishes for your business,
Five Smart Tips From This Issue
- Ever tried bottling awesome? Well now you can. Here’s how. (Manager’s To Do, page 18)
- The cooler weather is not quite through with us yet. Keep cozy in true optical style. (Eye Pro Gear, page 28)
- A Finest four decades in the making thanks to their belief that sophisticated city style would find success in the suburbs. (America’s Finest, page 50)
- A pandemic re-brand that fine-tuned this Minneapolis boutique’s simple yet impactful presentation. (Brand Portfolio, page 44)
- To LinkedIn or not to LinkedIn? ECPs weigh in on their use of the social media platform best-known for job seeking. (Buzz Session, page 47)
