Executive Outlook at Graph Expo Unveils Freeze Frame of Today’s Printing Industry

Photo by Melissa DiVietri  Conference Sets a Pivot Point for Futurists, Analysts and Practitioners to Access a 360 View of Industry The Executive Outlook conference took place the first morning of Graph Expo 2014, setting the stage for the equipment, products and services displayed on the trade show floor. The session — entitled “Print That Performs” — […]

Tips For Shipping Materials To International Markets

by Marc Zazeela Marc Zazeela is a 20-year veteran of international mailing and shipping. He says, “My customers are my friends. They bring issues to me that challenge my imagination and my company’s capabilities. Together, we can discover a unique and creative approach to international logistics.” You can find him on Twitter at @MZazeela or on LinkedIn. So, […]

How To Create And Deliver Great Presentations

by Marion Williams-Bennett We’ve all been there. You are held captive in a dimly lit room listening to a presentation. The presenter has his back to the audience and is reading each and every one of the bullets on his slide. And the sub-bullets. Just when you think you are free, the next slide flies in […]

ASK ROCK: Is There A Secret To Hiring A Good Salesperson?

Welcome to ASK ROCK, a monthly advice column where industry expert Rock LaManna will answer your questions on topics such as: key financials for business, and how it can lead to profitable organic growth, M&As, strategic alliances, succession plans, and exit strategies. He will also talk about leadership and present family business case studies. Do you have […]

The CMKY Manifesto: Re-Think Print in 2014

I am declaring the following topics OVER and DONE WITH in 2014! Anything claiming or alluding to print being dead, dying, or in need of a health plan. Who thinks print is dead? LOOK AROUND! Go into a grocery store. Music didn’t die when they stopped producing 8-tracks, albums, and cassettes; only the delivery device has evolved. […]

Some Video Aids To Achieve Success On Your Lean Journey

By Terry Rayner Lean is incredibly simple; however, it requires passion and perseverance. If you are starting out on a lean journey I would suggest that you get your entire company together and tell then why you are implementing Lean and the benefits that Lean will bring. The web is a great place to find support […]

ASK ROCK: Redefining Retirement

Welcome to ASK ROCK, a monthly advice column where industry expert Rock LaManna will answer your questions on topics such as: key financials for business, and how it can lead to profitable organic growth, M&As, strategic alliances, succession plans, and exit strategies. He will also talk about leadership and present family business case studies. Do you have […]

Q&A With Frank Tueckmantel VP, Corporate Marketing at EFI

Brian Rothschild, my friend and fellow print enthusiast, could easily be described as inquisitive. In this case, I was able to help put that trait to use for the greater good with the assistance of Jenna Kempie! The result is an interesting Q&A with Frank Tueckmantel from EFI, and definitely touches upon areas beyond my […]

Bringing Standard Work to Your SOP

By Terry Rayner Most of us are familiar with SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures), however, most of the time these were written by either management or a consultant explaining the way to run a piece of equipment or to perform a task. Then issued to the employees with expectation that they would follow them and all would […]

ASK ROCK: Think Growth, Not Sacrifice

Welcome to ASK ROCK, a monthly advice column where industry expert Rock LaManna will answer your questions on topics such as: key financials for business, and how it can lead to profitable organic growth, M&As, strategic alliances, succession plans, and exit strategies. He will also talk about leadership and present family business case studies. Do you have […]

Achieve Your 2014 Goals By Using Lean Thinking

By Terry Rayner The more I read and learn and think about using Lean Thinking, the more I realize that it is not just a continuous improvement program. “Lean is a business Strategy and unless used in this many will ultimately fail whenever used!” To use Lean Thinking effectively there must be a goal – a […]

Overproduction – The Power Of Understanding Waste

By Terry Rayner In a previous post Not Understanding Value Can Cost Printers More Than Customers, I discussed the meaning of Value as seen through the eyes of a Lean practitioner, now I want to address waste so that you can get out into your plant and start making real change. Lean Identifies eight categories of […]