Pushing boundaries in the print industry has never been just about breaking norms and traditions. It’s also about looking at where we are, what’s possible, and asking, “What if we went just a little further?”
We have many companies taking risks and pushing boundaries in the print industry that bet on new technology before it was mainstream, who reimagined what print could do in a digital-first world, and who continue to merge creativity with commerce in unexpected ways. It’s not about being fearless. It’s about deciding the idea is worth the risk, there is a need (or will be), and moving forward with conviction that the market and your customers will respond.
Pushing Boundaries in the Print Industry Takes More Than Courage
It means being aware of the stakes, knowing it could fail, and moving ahead because the potential impact matters more than the fear of failing. Sometimes you win, sometimes you win big. Sometimes you learn what works and what doesn’t.
My latest venture started with a question: What if we could bring the voices, ideas, and energy of the global print community together in one continuous stream? Not an event that happens once a year. Not through posts that get buried in a feed. Something alive, accessible, and always there when people need it.
I thought about what could be authentically useful and inspiring. Interviews, education, industry news, event coverage, creative showcases… all in one place. Something that could make people in print feel more connected, more informed, and more energized about the work we do.
Of course, it was a risk. New technology to learn. A new way of producing and curating content. The commitment to keep it running 24/7. But the potential to create something that could serve the Printerverse in a fresh, unique way made the risk worth it.
Now, the risk of pushing boundaries in the print industry has become a reality: PrintFM, a global internet radio station dedicated to print and graphic communications. It’s filled with the conversations, insights, and inspiration that fuel our industry.
Domtar and XMPie took a risk to support this new audio adventure with no proof of concept. We have been partners for many years, but this was a leap into the unknown. Without their unwaivering support, the station wouldn’t be on-air.
There is an African proverb: “If you do not risk, you do not win.” However, pushing boundaries in the print industry, or anywhere else, isn’t about chasing a personal win. It’s about building something that matters beyond yourself, and creating something worth moving toward. I hope you agree that PrintFM has met the brief.
RISK LONG AND PROSPER!
##
See Deborah’s recent post: Boost Print Sales and Credibility with a Wall of Power
Deborah Corn is the Intergalactic Ambassador to the Printerverse at Print Media Centr and Executive Director of Girls Who Print, a global nonprofit supporting women in the industry. She’s a ‘Print Buyerologist’, international speaker, blogger, and host of Podcasts From The Printerverse. Deborah also leads the Print Production Professionals Group on LinkedIn, the largest print group on the platform, and is the founder of Project Peacock, an educational initiative that has connected with more than 8,000 print customers, students, and printers through live events, online programs, and streaming video content on ProjectPeacock.TV. She is also the founder of International Print Day, an annual global celebration of print, and the recently launched PrintFM Radio, the first
Through all her work, Deborah delivers printspiration, education, and valuable resources to print and marketing professionals around the world. She’s the recipient of multiple industry honors, including the 2016 Girls Who Print Girlie Award, and serves on advisory boards and technical committees supporting print education and career development, including the Advertising Production Club of NYC, Graphic Communications Education Association (GCEA, Lewis-Clark State College, and Five Keys Schools and Programs.
Connect with Deborah on LinkedIn
Explore Podcasts From The Printerverse
PrintFM Radio: The world’s first 24/7 internet radio station dedicated to print and graphic communications.
Calling all Girls Who Print!! Check out our NEW Member Platform and Program!
ProjectPeacock.TV is streaming PRINTSPIRATION to brands, agencies, students, and printers!
Please subscribe to PMC’s News from The Printerverse for topical posts and information delivered to your inbox.
