I just returned from NAPS and my husband asked me what the takeaways were from this year’s conference.  There are several new ideas that I embraced and, as always, I was reminded of some core fundamentals that I need to tighten up.  The biggest benefit of attending this year, though, was far and away the opportunity to connect with kindred spirits, to catch up with old friends and make new ones. In times of uncertainty, I think it’s too tempting to hunker down and take up an isolationist policy.  We think that if we just work harder we’ll be okay.  And there’s something to be said for the necessity of increasing effort and output in a tough market.  I know it’s taking me more calls today to generate a job order than it was a year ago.  So, I’ve increased my phone time and I’m not planning any long pleasure trips in the immediate future.  I get that. At the end of the day, though, there are just so many calls you can make.  There is only so much effort and energy you can… Read more