In the interest of full disclosure, the idea for this column came from a higher power. No, not that high!
But close.
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During his homily on a recent Sunday morning, the assistant pastor at my church discussed the importance of simple things. He went on to talk about the importance on the part of Catholics of making the sign of the cross. His message made a lot of sense.
But it was an example he used to deliver that message that struck me as especially profound.
Of all the technological gadgets and modern conveniences to have been developed in recent decades, there is one, he said, that stands out as being the most important. It is the one modern advance that he credits above others for making his life easier.
The Post-it note.
That simple yellow adhesive paper has saved him from missing meetings, from forgetting birthdays or other important events and from countless other potential embarrassments.
I couldn’t agree more.
Once, just a few months ago, a colleague suggested that I use the “Outlook” calendar feature on my e-mail. But how does that help me if I’m not at my desk?
Now, the Post-it stickers – they’re truly portable.
They are all over my desk and computer. And when I head out, the most important of them come with me – usually attached to the cover of the calendar book I carry.
In fact, I use them for all kinds of things at work and at home. For example, they make terrific bookmarks. I use them for short shopping lists. When someone suggests a good book or I read a review of one that sounds interesting, I write it down on a Post-it and stick it in my wallet.
They remind me of my next visit to Al the barber.
There is even a Post-it stuck inside my wallet that tells me what I am supposed to weigh when I return to my doctor on June 24 (which reminds me that I might want to add a new Post-it reminding to postpone that appointment).
It’s fitting to recognize the importance of the Post-it now. This year, the simple product celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The Post-it is the brainchild of the St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M corporation. The company was founded in 1902 and is known for its innovations. Among them:
*The world’s first waterproof sandpaper, which beginning in the early 1920s reduced airborne dusts during automobile manufacturing.
*Another major milestone took place in 1925 when Richard Drew, a young lab assistant, invented masking tape.
*In the early 1940s, 3M diverted much of its efforts toward the defense industry to help with the war effort.
* In the 1950s, the company introduced the Thermo-Fax copying process, Scotchgard Fabric Protector, videotape, Scotch-Brite Cleaning Pads and several other new electro-mechanical products.
With each passing year came new innovations, like overhead projection systems and several medical and dental products. And then, rather quietly, came the Post-it.
It was 1980 and as the company trumpets on its Web site, “the ‘To-Do’ list would never be the same as 3M devises a revolutionary new way to improve the world’s short-term memory…”
Company financials do not break down the specific economic impact of the Post-it. They do however, point to a hugely successful bottom line.
3M, in fact, enjoyed $20 billion in worldwide sales in 2004, a year in which the company spent more than $1 billion on research and development. It’s common stock, throughout the year, ranged in price from $73 to $90 per share.
I’m not sure what 3M has in store for its next innovation. But I hope it’s something real simple. Like the Post-it.
