In the fast-paced world of the printing industry, the relationship between sales and production is crucial to a company’s overall success. Despite having different goals and day-to-day operations, these two departments must work together to deliver quality products efficiently and on time. When sales and production are misaligned or in conflict, it can lead to…
Read MoreAuthor: Mike Philie
Be a Student of the Game to Drive Long-Term Success
Game, what game? This is serious stuff and not some kid’s game. You’re right, it is serious. Your employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders are all counting on you and your team to get it right. Being a student of the game is crucial for business leaders, as it fosters continuous learning, adaptability, and strategic thinking.…
Read MoreMake Good Decisions with Good Data
When comparing “same-store sales” and “new customers,” you’re essentially looking at two different metrics used to assess the performance and growth of a business. Most Graphic Communication companies are not looking at their business in this manner. I think they should begin breaking out these numbers and let me go into detail as to why…
Read MoreCrush Your Business and Personal Goals
The manner in which we approach achieving business and professional goals are often similar to the approach taken for personal goals. Or are they? After all, they are both important otherwise we wouldn’t devote the time to even think about them. I tend to see more passion applied to personal goals as opposed to business…
Read MoreClient Retention and Acquisition: A Parallel Path
A while back I asked if it was time to re-think the structure of your sales and client facing teams. Maybe you’ve had some reservations about how to make the transition. If you’re like many company owners, you’ve got an experienced group of sales folks who’ve been selling for years and have some great accounts. They undoubtedly have been with you for years and are great people. They provide the service your clients expect and that has helped to build your company to what it is today. Your frustration though…
Read MoreManage Your Cash, or It will Manage You
Companies typically don’t go out of business because they lose money in a month, or a quarter, or for the year. They go out of business because they run out of cash. It can just as easily happen to those companies who are making a profit. These operators sometimes lose sight of the fact that cash flow and showing a profit are not the same things. As Joe Becker would always say, “Cash is king!” And he was right. The cash burn begins the moment you get the order. Paper…
Read MoreFour Tactics to Achieve Operational Excellence for Your Company
The printing industry continues to evolve, with technology advancements, changing customer preferences, and economic fluctuations reshaping the landscape. To thrive in this sector, achieving operational excellence is crucial for printing companies. What is operational excellence? Operational excellence encompasses a range of strategies and practices aimed at optimizing operations, enhancing customer relationships, and ensuring profitability. Let’s explore four main points you can use to achieve operational excellence in your business. Embrace Technological Advancements In the general commercial printing industry, technology is a driving force behind achieving operational excellence. Printing technology continues…
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