If you've read my blog much you'll know that I'm deeply involved in trying to figure out how to build a formula for SQLSaturday that others can reuse easily, and I like to watch how things are done - particularly events - to look for ways to do things better.

At the recent MS Launch event in Orlando I ran across two minor items that I wanted to write down before I lost them! The first was the nice cardboard raffle box that PASS sent for us to use. Shawn Weisfeld of ONETUG had just purchased small cardboard boxes and cut holes in them for the most recent Orlando Code Camp, but for a couple bucks each these look nicer and have a front panel that will take a 8-1/2x11 sheet. Makes it easy for us to print up sponsor sheets with their name, logo, and raffle item and just stick on, no fuss. You can see an example at http://www.displays2go.com/product.asp?ID=3644. I ordered 25 and hope that we get a couple uses out of each one, we'll see.

The second item (at the same launch) was watching a union electrician running extension cords to each sponsor table and then tape down the cords with glossy black & yellow safety tape. I've been keeping a bag of duct tape in our event box for just that purpose, but this tape looks like it's actually made for that and it is visible, so I'm going to order a couple rolls. Cheaper than a lawsuit. I know it would be better to not have extension cords, but many of the venues we use just aren't configured with floor mounted outlets.Here's an example of the tape: http://www.uline.com/ProductDetail.asp?model=S-2184.

In both cases I didn't come up with any revolutionary idea, just saw the chance for what I hope is a minor improvement. It's been my experience if you build the habit of looking you tend to find more of these than you might expect, and even a few of these can make a huge difference to your business/employer. What are you working on right now and how can you improve it by one percent?