Keeping current and "fresh"

[bobbin]

Chris, I don't suffer fools gladly (never have and have "gotten in trouble" because of it!).  Keeping my mouth shut in the face of what I consider to be idiocy is the biggest challenge I face at work.  But here's what keeps me on an even keel while I get my own thing up, running, and producing the necessary revenue my "lifestyle" requires:

1.)  My job is simply a means to an end.  The work isn't difficult and the paycheck is reliable.  It allows me to buy the equipment I need/want and it allows me to pick and choose the jobs I take on at home.  Occasionally I get to do something "new" and add a new arrow to my professional quiver.  Mistakes are made on his dime. 
2.)  It buys me time to muddle my way through the computer stuff that is so challenging for me, but I know will ultimately make things run more smoothly and save time in the long run..  It buys me time to get my marketing plan together and really think about where I want my own business to go.  What do I like about my work, what aspects of it do I want to jettison?
3.)  I watch "the man" and study the dynamics of his business.  What works, what doesn't? what would make it run more smoothly and how could the shop be equipped/layed out differently to make the place function more efficiently?
4.)  I take the "long view" and when I'm especially frustrated and irritated by something I "spin it" and look for the "funny" in it.  And there is always a humorous aspect to even the most abjectly stupid behaviors/decisions.  It's all presented for my amusement.    And when I've had enough I may leave. 
5.)  I come home, heave a sigh of relief and do something that is creative, fun, and reminds me that I'm not "a mouth breather" at all. 

[kodydog]

Well put bobbin.

I once worked with a fellow at a small upholstery shop. Every day he would come up to me and tell me how he would do things different. He said some day he would open his own shop and put this place out of business. One day I asked him if he ever owned his own business. His reply was no. He didn't have a clue what it takes to run a business. Whenever I meet people like this I have to remind myself that god put them there for my amusement.

Bobbin, I have no doubt when you decide to go full time with your business it will be a success. Keep your eye on the goal and always keep learning.

[Mojo]

Bobbin:

The main reason for owning a business is to make money. I used to manage projects that included teams of engineers, technicians and other marketing analysts. At our kickoff project meetings I used to give the same pep talk.

" I don't care how you go about doing your portion of the project. I don't care how you actually do the work. All I care is that the end product is the best we can deliver to our clients. How you get there is your gig. Just make sure you get there - on time, on budget and with exceptional quality. if not then  expect my foot to become part of your ass. "

They were all professionals and didn't need me to hold their hand. My job as project manager was to understand everyone of their strengths and weaknesses and then apply personnel to areas where one compliments the other. My teams used to consistently rock the house, not because I was an ass kicking manager but because I gave them latitude to do whatever it took to get the job done and stayed out of their craphouse. And when the accolades poured in I made sure they got an overdose of it. They earned it and they deserved it.

The art of motivating people is to believe in them and then make them believe in themselves. Make them all realize that mountain tops can be reached and they have what it takes to get there. Then stand back and watch them go. Yes you will have dead beats that stiff the system and wont pull their weight. Those you take out back and shoot. The rest you motivate and then get out of their way. It is amazing what people can accomplish when you believe in them and then get them to believe in themselves.

If you worked for me and with your awesome resume and skills I would be bat shit crazy to babysit you. I would provide you all the tools you needed to get your job done efficiently and with high quality standards. I would have no doubt you would deliver on all aspects. My job at that point would be to stay out of your way and feed you whatever you needed in materials and tools.

I just find it a shame that control freaks and micro managers cut their own throats by not trusting in good workers. Your boss has one helluva an ego evidently, either that or he is like my ex who had to control every aspect of our lives. Heck, maybe they are related. :)

He has a valuable asset in you and its a damn shame he doesn't see that. If he allowed you free reign I have no doubt you could make him more money then he currently is making.

Chris

[Mike]

Like chris mkst  ew things are fabric  thread ext zippers Foam.
   Ut the only new trick ive seenwere like trsck systems rather the snaps
Fastners  clear vinyls. I read the marine fabricatir mag. But most new trend are slow to come to my world as im redoing older boats.
In marine upholstery  i saw a caltians sest made like sn au to sest eith slrings needed bogrings to rocover. But i dont think its gona last and its not.for all seating yet be awfull heavy it it does drow and go to stainless

[bobbin]

I have resolved that I will avail myself of every opportunity that comes my way (and is practical) to take courses, "network" (hate that phrase!), and learn from others who're successful in the trade. 

Getting away from "the way you do it" or the way the boss says it must done is invaluable.  It was nice to purge all of that and do it the way someone conducting a class told me to do it.  Doing so allowed me to think about the process, my own shop/tools/mindset, and gave me a clearer perspective on how to meld the two approaches to achieve a tailor fitted result that reflects my own sensibility and reality. 

Refreshing and enlightening=inspirational.