My QP columns run every other month, so this is the last you'll hear from me in 2007, which is turning out to be a fine year. Oh sure, turmoil in Iraq hangs over our heads, prices at grocery store keep rising despite experts telling us inflation is under control, and campaign rhetoric is in full swing, even with the presidential election a year away. But I'm a "glass half full" kind of guy. The printing clients I coach and the ones I met at recent conferences are overcoming these global challenges, and appear on track for solid year-end financial results.

Closer to home—actually, within my own house—we're approaching a momentous occasion. Our little girl, who it seems just yesterday I held in my arms at 2:00 a.m. and gently sang back to sleep, celebrates her 18th birthday next month. Anyone reading this who has walked in these footsteps understands the pride that milestone brings. If you haven't been down this road, trust me, it's one of those life passages that affects you on many levels.

We are blessed to have a good child who excels at many things. She's first chair clarinet in the school band, has a nice role in their theatre group's upcoming production of "Les Misérables," and ranks 11th in her senior class of 625. (Of course, as with many teenagers, there are moments of emotional ranting that make us wonder if she was switched with an alien at birth, but in the spirit of the season, I'm overlooking those.) Her scholastic talents provide many college options and, based on the number of letters, brochures, and marketing materials she's receiving, we're doing our part to raise the composite output of printers across the nation.

Actually, this entire college selection process is amazing. Thirty years ago, when it was time for me to decide, my father said, "You can go to Texas or go to work." Decision made. I showed up one Saturday morning, pencil in hand for the SAT, scored above 1,000, and went back to enjoying my senior year.

Today, there are prep courses to take, AP subject tests to pass, college nights to attend, campus visits to explore, reference letters to seek, essays to write, and applications to complete. It's a complex, competitive environment and the pressures are high. One institution on the West Coast—famous for dropouts who become Silicon Valley legends—said it accepted fewer than one in 10 of 20,000 applications received; declining valedictorians and perfect entrance exams.

Lessons From Academia

While much of me longs for simpler days—and a return to letting kids be kids—I'm convinced the rigors of academic pursuit predict bright futures for small business owners like you. As a rising tide lifts all ships, the increased expectations on our youth elevate all skill levels, from doctoral candidates to high school equivalents.

Of course, the iPod generation talent pool is still years away. (Someone at retirement age told me recently he found the perfect person for succession—his 10-year-old grandson.) In the meantime, your task is to enhance the performance of the employees working for you. One way is to take an academic approach to achieving excellence. Implement this plan for 2008 and your achievement scores will soar:

Inspire Greatness: Who is the teacher you remember most from high school? Why did that person come to mind? It's likely because he/she saw inside you a talent others missed. For me, it was Sister Joan Markey, who encouraged a raw writer to pursue journalism. Yes, she bludgeoned all my theme papers with red ink, but she also praised my creative style. Can there be any greater joy in business ownership than having that sort of affect on someone? You have that opportunity with everyone who works for you.