Cup-a-Joe

Education it’s not what it used to be . . . or so goes the mantra uttered by many baby boomers and their parents.  And it’s true.  It’s not what it used to be especially when it comes to technical/vocational training.  As our society has become more complex and the demand for better educated individuals has been voiced over the past two decades, the solution has been a focus by our country’s educators to improve education in the United States. Yet, I’m concerned about the results. read more »

The folks at CEO Forum provided an interesting link this morning – no, it’s not an April Fool’s Joke.  Seton Hill University, a small Catholic Liberal Arts university in Pennsylvania, will provide 2010 incoming Freshman with MacBook laptop and an iPad.  Why?  Let me quote from their website, Twenty-first century students live in a world of technology and collaboration where learning happens 24 hours a day and is supported by professors, friends, professional experts, and fellow learners in the classroom, on the web, and around the world.

The Griffin Technology Advantage, Seton Hill’s commitment to provide students with the best in technology and collaborative learning tools, ensures that Seton Hill students will be uniquely suited to whatever careers they choose – even those that have not yet been created.I think this is very representative of the changes which are rapidly affecting print and visual communications.  What are you doing to become more knowledgeable about the tools which will continue to impact the way we communicate — today and in the future?

Of course I want to say Graphic Impressions, the Association’s Official magazine, but we’re still a work in progress.  Graphic Arts Monthly and Printing Impressions are the “blue bloods” of the trade press world, but the magazine that I really like is Quick Printing.  Now, before you start shaking your head and saying that it’s only for quick printers or for small commercial printers — stop right there. read more »

Although no one expects 2010 to be a banner year for the print industry, we are seeing signs of business returning.  Given that so much of our industry is running very, very lean, the process of hiring new employees will be a challenge in ’10.  So, now is the time to start thinking about hiring and retention. 

The pool of available employees is practically non-existent; so, the temptation to “liberate” an employee from another employer will be the easiest option.  Therefore, what are you doing to make sure you retain your best?  Especially when they’ve been asked to work for fewer dollars, have had to work harder, their benefits have been reduced, and the specter of unemployment or business failure has hung over their head for the past year or two.  “Well, at least they are employed,” is not a valid response.  The economy will pick up and the grass on the other side of the fence is quickly going to look very green.

Now is the time to start reviewing all the changes which have been necessary to survive.  Yes, many companies are still in survival mode, but now is the time to start preparing; so when the green shoots of prosperity sprout – your company is making sure no one starts jumping fences.

Now, the issue of hiring.  Yes, it’s going to be tempting to steal an employee or two – but that’s not always the best solution.  Our industry is presently going through major metamorphoses from the world of manufacturing to one of technology.  If you are in the process of implementing major workflow changes, this might be the time to consider bringing an IT person (or sales) from another industry into your business.  They’re not cheap, but they are not restricted by “we don’t do it that way” mentalities limiting a company’s ability to truly be successful in the new world of visual communications a.k.a. print. 

Another issue is one of process.  Who is going to do the interviewing for new employees, especially if you don’t have an HR department, which is the case in 80% of the industry?  It’s a well-known fact that good hires result from good hiring practices.  So, if it’s been awhile since anyone has done any hiring, do some reading (or contact PIA MidAmerica) and get briefed on do’s and don’ts (there are plenty of those).

One of the true values of the Internet is the ability to quickly (if not instantly) communicate with one another.  And I’m not talking about the irrelevant messaging of “I’m headed off to Starbucks for a double skinny latte.”   Another value is the opportunity to create community and share with one another, and I think that’s very important for those of us in the visual communications industry a.k.a. print.

As I’ve discovered with Cup-a-Joe, through blogging we have the ability to share thoughts, which hopefully create dialogue on issues of importance to us.  More importantly, our willingness to share can create a stronger community.  When you get a chance, check out this blog by PIA MidAmerica member Cathy Lawrimore, who has some neat thoughts to share about print sales.  Of course, Cathy’s not the only member in the blogosphere; so, if you want to share your thoughts with your industry peers – let me know!

OK, here I am on my insurance wagon again.  And I think that I’ve come a full 180 on one issue — public insurance.  I’m still not a fan of the “spin” many are putting on this program, but I’m beginning to think that a public insurance plan may be the least of the evils presently facing small business. read more »

Last week I was traveling in our nation’s heartland.  Jim Oldebeken and I put over 800 miles on his car while visiting members, as well as prospective members, of the Association in Missouri and Kansas.  This is the land of business forms printers; yearbook publishers; regional newspapers; religious publishers, and oh, yes, commercial printers.  read more »