SIGMA::BLOG

Oscar Wilde said that “to expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.” He was right.

The reality is that things never go as planned. But when you think about it, is that a bad thing? Those shaping the world make a difference by going beyond the expected. They figure out ways to capitalize on the unexpected twists and turns that come their way. They relish in the opportunities that are presented when unexpected things happen and as a result make great strides in the economy, environment, society, etc.

Business owners and entrepreneurs…the best bubble up when they expect the unexpected. They plan for the unexpected. They know that nothing should be taken at face value. And even further, it’s their ability to capitalize on unexpected opportunities that really makes them superstars. (more…)

Faced with an uncertain economy, lingering steady holds in client budgets, procurement mandates driving margins down and a general reduction in client spending, we realized that creative steps would be needed to manage our own expenses and better position ourselves for the next few years. With some strategic brainstorming and a focus on manpower, workload and agency functions, we set out to develop a solution that would win for everyone.

With a goal of streamlining overhead without reducing workflow or impacting our creative product, we found eight positions in the company that could benefit from a reduced workweek (4 days) while also helping to shed some weight from our bottom line. As a result we were able to save jobs and in turn we have been encouraged by the new vigor and level of productivity that we’re seeing. The outcome? Inspired employees who thrive in the condensed workweek, an even better and more focused creative product and an improvement to operating expenses that allows us to focus on growth, innovation and further expansion.

Just goes to show what happens when creative minds work together. CNN and Alina Cho – thanks for featuring us today!

I stumbled on an article today that admittedly I wished I found a few weeks ago to make it align with Valentine’s day (perfect packaging strategy!).  I loved it because it really helped me reflect on one of our own core values here at Sigma – - The most important element to our success are RELATIONSHIPS.  Relationships with each other, with our clients, with our vendors, with our client’s customers.  Period.

Although the official Valentine’s day has long-since passed, having and being in love is relevant all year round – and especially during these trying times I’m reminded how important it is to value what you have, and to treasure those relationships that define you.  So, I’m posting a selection of Rhonda Abrams‘ All You Need is Love to Run Your Business here to inspire and remind us what matters. (more…)

The NY Marathon.  Yes!  What an amazing event – - people of all types, from all over the world (young, old, beginner, elite) running for a reason.  Some reason.  In memory of a loved one, to get a personal best time, to raise money for a cause, to win the gold, or…to just to say they did it.  That was me.  I thought, “Sure! I can run 26.2 miles! I’ll be able to check it off my list. So I signed up, and about 5 months ago, I started to run. Boy did I run. Before work. During work. After work. And especially, on the weekends.  I really should have done more, but I ran out of time. On race day I was nervous. I realized I had over committed. I was under trained.  And I was intimidated. By the “real runners” and, of course, the streets of NYC. (more…)