SHARPEN YOUR SAW

In Oregon, with its history of agriculture and forestry, the
concept of "sharpening your saw" has real meaning. It refers
to keeping your tools, your skills, and your attitude
maintained, sharp and ready.
This week, I read an article about applying these principles
to your computer, and I thought about how they apply across
the board in business. To expand your business or achieve
any significant goal, you need the best tools you can find.
Whether the challenge is harvesting lumber, making a sale,
or teaching high school, the person with the best tools will
always do the best job. Here are some critical areas to re-
examine:
1. Your computer. Get and USE good maintenance tools. Run a
thorough check for viruses, de-fragment your hard disk, and
check for errors at least once a week. Norton and McAfee
sell tools that make this easy and automated.
2. Voice communication. Get and use a great voice mail
system. If your clients, customers, friends and colleagues
can't talk to you, they won't do business with you. And
NEVER use caller ID that requires people to identify
themselves before they call you. Don’t make if difficult for
people to contact you!
3. Get and use a SmartPhone or similar system. Every
professional has a vital list of appointments, phone
numbers, names and data that you must have with you at all
times. Don't leave home without it.
4. Superb email and Internet services. It's not enough to
"have" email. Make it work for you! Become an expert at
quickly sharing articles, notes, data and humor with your
clients and customers. Check email often; respond instantly.
5. Specific tools for your niche and profession. Every
industry has it's own tools, language, skills and standards.
Become an expert in them, become known as a person who
invests heavily in new technology and the latest solutions.
It costs money; it pays in profits.