When you first meet them, they are charismatic, curious, and always ready to help. They excel at developing relationships and use them to leverage what they need to succeed. They often view the rules of engagement as suggestions, or meant for someone else. And, they can often be the top sales producers in the company! […]
The printing industry is fueled by innovation. You see it every day, all around you. And while this is not a new trend, the pace of innovation seems to have accelerated. But what does innovation really encompass? The new products coming out of the digital, inkjet and wide-format space are remarkable. And let’s not overlook […]
As a business leader, you are faced with making the choice between working in the business and working on the business. Finding the time to take your ideas, your aspirations, and turning them into results can be a challenge. Creating a focused action plan is one of the first steps leaders use to get from […]
Firms are finding themselves in good financial standing as the industry re-emerges from the pause that the pandemic brought upon them. Through careful planning, proper resource allocation and the assistance of stimulus funds, balance sheets are strong. Senior teams are meeting to decide where they should go from here. The options include strategic growth through […]
Everyone wants to capitalize in the market rebound and participate in the economic recovery, right? Time and attendance will not, by themselves, ensure full involvement with these improving business conditions. And while the glimpses of better times can serve as a healing lotion for those who have endured difficult times, there is still some heavy […]
There are three challenges that will continue to cause business leaders to stand out from the others. They include creating their own handbook for dealing with a changing marketplace, accelerating the pace and improving on the customer experience that they deliver, and effectively managing risk. While the future of how we work seems to be […]
There’s been much discussion about wanting to get back to normal and what the new marketplace has in store for the print industry. These thoughts have become a catalyst for change within many senior management teams. They are evaluating whether or not to stay the course, pivot into new areas, or do both. There […]
Your competitive advantage is your secret sauce. Michael Porter talks about competitive advantage as creating and sustaining superior performance. How would you have defined your competitive advantage prior to March 2020, and how has it changed this past year? Over the years, many print establishments sought their competitive advantage through diversification, and adding products […]
How many of your top 15 accounts are from customers you brought on board within the last 18 months? It’s understood that many of your customers will be just fine post COVID-19. It’s also understood that a select group will struggle to find their way back to their pre-COVID-19 ways. Finally, and unfortunately, you’ll have […]
Do you hear that? What? That! It’s your business trying to tell you something. It’s your business telling you what’s going on with your staff, your process and procedures, your customers, your competitors, and your suppliers. Listen closely as some of the sounds may be faint, yet meaningful. Some sounds may be the silent cries […]