The Rules of Attraction: Compelling the Next Generation of Print Stars
One of the main focal points of Print’18, held 2 weeks ago in Chicago, was THE NEXT GENERATION. Much energy and discussion surrounded what will happen to print when the “old guard” retires. I heard a story of one print shop having 3 CSR’s all retire in the same month, and, there was an edge […]
Content Confidential: Authenticity Boosts Confidence and Sales Results
I was lucky enough to present not once, but twice at this year’s Canon inkjet users thINK conference in beautiful and humid Boca Raton, FL this past week. Yes, I am allowed to call myself lucky, but you’re not as you can read in this post of mine. In both cases, my presentations were collaborations with co-presenters, […]
Training the Next Generation of Workflow Wizards
Across the years of doing workflow reviews and assessments one question comes up frequently: Where is the next generation of workflow specialist? It’s a good question. It is often followed by: Can I train someone to be my workflow expert? The answers are related. It is likely that your best candidate for your next generation […]
This Labor Day Thank Canada and the Print Industry For Your Day Off!
I resurrect this post every year so we never lose sight that print and the printing industry has significant impact on society – sometimes even bigger than we realize. On Labor Day, while you are grilling away and sipping on a nice cold refreshing cocktail, don’t forget to take a moment to thank Canada and PRINT for […]
I Got 99 Reasons to Attend PRINT 18 and Edu-Slacking Aint 1
You, yes YOU. What have you done for yourself lately? Specifically in the print education department? If you are still thinking about that question, I can almost guarantee you are not doing enough to keep the focus on the future of print and your business. KNOWLEDGE is what separates you from the pack. Sharing it […]
Back to School Can Be a Fresh Start for You, TOO!
In the next three weeks, my 4 kids will be going back to school. They will get a fresh set of supplies, get a new teacher, a new classroom, and new gear like clothes, shoes, and lunchboxes. Some will get new backpacks if theirs are too small or worn out. They are excited, and so […]
The Workflow Wizardry of Web2Print!
While explaining why so many of you are workflow magicians, last month we looked at preflighting and the magic it brings to a workflow. This time the topic is web-to-print. Web-2-Print is not the answer to every print providers dreams. Setting up a web-to-print storefront is not a guarantee that you will find new customers, […]
4 Email Marketing Problems Direct Mail Solves for Reaching Customers
There’s a strange wind blowing. If you, as a direct mail service provider, prepare and put yourself in the right place the wind will be at your back. Consider this: Goldman Sachs Group recently invested $25 million dollars to integrate direct mail into email-based marketing automation platforms. (Source: PR Newswire) MailChimp, a very popular and […]
You Are a Print Workflow Magician! Here is How I Know!
In my last post, I said that not all document composition engines or word processing products or even creative layout solutions produce optimized PDF. Some PDF is slim but might be missing elements that make it easier for the Digital Front End (DFE) of your printer to turn into print. Some PDF is heavier – […]
The Significant Cost of Outsourcing In-House Print Buyers
Among all the useless, and often industry self-generated questions of print relevance is a related topic that doesn’t get much airtime – Print Management Services. Print Management Services come in many flavors, but at the core, these are companies that have workers either placed within or acting as Print Production Managers / Print Buyers for […]
5 Things Every Printer Needs to Know About Marketing Automation
Marketing automation has been a hot topic for years, so why should you care now? Forrester predicts that industry growth for marketing automation platforms will continue at a rapid rate, reaching $25.1 billion annually by 2023 from $11.4 billion last year. (Source: MarTech Today) This growth is fueled by increased penetration, particularly in mid-sized […]
The Magic of Digital Front Ends in Your Workflow!
Last summer in this blog the topic of the magic inside your Digital Front End took position front and center. The idea was to start the conversation about a participant in your workflow that you may not think about. For most digital press buyers, the Digital Front End (DFE) is bundled into the purchase of […]
