Use Story Sticks to Save Time and Reduce Errors

My first job out of high school was at a sign company.

We'd often have a project where we would need to make 10-20 copies of the exact same sign.

For example, we would make a bunch of 18"x24" signs for a contractor to put on his job sites.

This process would involve placing the vinyl graphics onto the piece of aluminum, measuring it to ensure it's in the right position, and then applying the graphics to the substrate.

Every sign had the exact same measurements for where the graphics needed to be placed, so it would be tedious to measure each by hand.

Instead, we used an old woodworking secret...

A story stick.

A story stick is a piece of wood with markings to indicate certain measurements. It "tells the story" of that stick's specific job or purpose.

I would measure the first sign with a tape measure, get those numbers, and transfer them to the story stick. Then, for all the other signs, I'd just reference the story stick.

The story stick is a way to streamline a repetitive process in order to save time and reduce errors.

Now that I design and build websites, I no longer use a physical story stick. But, I do have a number of tools that I use for the same purpose.

Here are some of the tools I use every day to save time and reduce errors.

• Spark Mail: Email client with built-in productivity features.
• Zapier: Connects apps and automates workflows.
• IFTTT: "If This Then That" automation tool.
• Text Expander: Creates shortcuts for frequently used text.
• Calendly: Simplifies scheduling meetings.
• Loom: Makes quick video messages instead of lengthy emails.

Want to work smarter, not harder?

Schedule a free, no-risk strategy call with us. We'll help you explore tools and software that can streamline your workflow and reduce errors to save you serious time and money.