Author: mjstrand

  • A low cost printing option

    We just had a need to print some office material, and I decided to try uPrint.com. It was an excellent experience and very good pricing. We had pre-done artwork (which many of the online printing companies do not easily handle). They also help you with designs if you do not already have something ready. All…

  • The future of digital signage screens

    Although it has been around for almost 10 years, Digital Signage is still in the early stages of it’s evolution. It has only started getting involved in integration and standardization, which is typically the beginning of explosive growth. That combined with the poor economy, the changes in how “customers” receive their information and the poor…

  • Investments in Marketing

    We recently advertised with USA Today after being covered in one of their editorials. Typically, we do not advertise in print medium, but this seemed like a worthwhile experiment since it was reinforcing the article. Over the years, I have seen “what works” for marketing change dramatically. Twenty years ago, print media and trade shows…

  • How Valuable are Patents

    I have just heard that our first patent has been filed (not sure what that means yet). I had started the process for several countries in my previous company, and it never completed prior to me selling the company. This one was first submitted when I started in the beginning of 2006 which means that…

  • Keeping Customers Happy

    Do you ever wonder if you do too much for some customers? I sometimes do. We are a company that responds quickly to most every customer issue and request. It does give us a reputation of a great company to work with. Unfortunately, most of the time, this additional work does not create additional revenue…

  • Get R Done

    Most of us have probably heard the cable guy with his infamous “get r done” phrase. There are lots of times when I have lots of things to do, but would rather put in a movie and vedge out. Although there are times to do that, there are also times to make time to get…

  • Get to know an old person…

    First off, happy new year to everyone. I usually enjoy visiting with everyone young and old. I was reminded yesterday of the monstrous benefits (and fun) you can get by visiting with older people (in particular retired people). I just spent yesterday with one of my older uncles (and I’m pushing the “old” category myself…

  • Risk, Care, Dream, Expect

    Last night I gave the commencement speech for the Fall 2009 graduates at Chippewa Valley Technical College. The thoughts I shared with them are applicable to everyone. It revolved around a quote from Claude Bissel. RISK – More than others think is safe CARE – More than others think is wise DREAM – More than…

  • Take time to watch the clouds

    Life seems to be getting faster paced than ever before. Technology is advancing at an amazing rate which is pulling each of us to do the same. The economy is unsettling which causes us to work even harder. Breaks are shorter, days are longer and weekends are full. For those around the younger generation, technology…

  • Do you ever wonder how to get ahead

    Today I’m in the middle of a month long major rewrite of our player software – and it is fighting me – and almost winning. I am writing about my philosophy so that I can have a marvelous day enjoying the challenge instead of the non-productive dread that I feel now… To get ahead, I…