We’ve all heard the stories and anecdotal information about the dismal prospects of our industry. Throw on top the economic and political climate and one is left to wonder – what future is there? read more »
In a recent blog, I touched on the issue of BHR’s and some of their weaknesses. I received some excellent comments on the need for “knowing your costs,” which is essential to good management. Yet blindly establishing pricing on BHRs (which may or may not be accurate) is a quick trip to “dead printer walking.” Here’s an article of interest written by Gerry Michael with Carlson Advisors. It was published in the Printing Industries of America’s PIFE newsletter.
Earlier this year, Dr. Joe Webb was our featured speaker in Dallas/Fort Worth and Kansas City. His message was not an easy one to hear – the industry is never going to be what it used to be and we can not wait for “things to get better.” His message at manroland’s 9th annual Joe Webb briefing at Graph Expo was not gentle, but Webb was very forthcoming that there will be plenty of opportunities for those who are willing to break away from the herd. In the past, the herd was comprised of wild mustangs, which had plenty of open range and opportunities. Today’s herd is now comprised of lemmings headed towards a very un-timely end. Which one are you? Lemming or Mustang? I think the choice is easy – but the execution will be a bit more difficult.
A month or so ago, Joe Webb wrote an article where he covered all sorts of topics (when doesn’t he?), but here’s a tidbit that got my attention. Especially in light of the industry’s trade associations working on “Value of Print” campaigns (including PIA MidAmerica). read more »
This might put me on the wrong side of the fence with the Tea Party, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with increasing taxes. There I’ve said it – and I feel better about it. But before anyone starts a flame war, consider this. Are we really going to be able to solve our fiscal problems by just cutting? Are we going to be able to tax our way out of this mess? The answer is no — yet one side is refusing to accept that taxes are a necessary part (evil?) of any government, while the other is not willing to accept that doing business as usual is not sustainable. read more »
It’s time to get connected. OK, I’ll admit it. In my world, Social Media has not been #1 on the priority list. I use LinkedIn several times a week and my Facebook page might get a visit every other week, and up to now, I refused to Tweet. Well, maybe it’s time to rethink these topics.
It is becoming apparent to this old fogey that getting connected (networking) is becoming more and more important in the industry we call printing. Why? The people we need to be speaking to – or getting to know are no longer just “printers.” It’s about mailers. It’s about marketers. It’s about online competitors. It’s about foreign (no that doesn’t mean Illinois) competitors. It’s about supplier/manufacturers who are also competitors. How do we stay up with this new world? Use the new technologies and find ways to expand our horizons. We can no longer just hang around with folks who look like us. We gotta spread our wings. Tweet. Tweet.
So, I’m off to check Google Plus — more to come.
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