The day that I realized I could no longer do everything myself was a major step in my development as a person and a leader. I’ve always had vision, plenty of ideas, and vast amounts of energy. But then the vision gets bigger than you, you really only have two choices: give up on the vision or get help. I chose the latter.
- John Maxwell, from his latest book 25 Ways To Win with People
“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar
“Reward employees while the sweat’s still on their brow."
— H. Ross Perot
Over the last few years, art has become an important part of my life. It's helped me see the world in much different ways— exploring my surroundings physically, spiritually and intellectually. I've come to realize that without a healthy appreciation of art and the power of creativity our personal growth is severely hindered— in all areas of life.
In the business world art is called “innovation.” I’m fascinated by the marketplace's artistic explosion. Businessmen, poets, scientists, marketers, researchers, artists, architects, and other disciplines mixing experience and perspective to create dynamic innovation.
There have been hundreds of books published in the last decade trying to get people of their boxes.
My deepest sympathies to the families and communities of Virgina and beyond. May God bring healing and restoration in the weeks to come.
My evil not prevail.
Let us also not forget the quite acts of violence that occur each day across the country.
As our industry changes, reprographers who focus on paper and toner will drown in a pool of multiplying competition. Staples. Kinko’s. UPS Store. AlphaGraphics. Those that thrive will develop into learning organizations that are able to transform from store fronts to solution fronts.
Learning organizations will develop a consultative attitude and become a resource for their clients in finding answers struggling in their own sea of change. The reality is that digital printing is a collision of communication, technology, knowledge and people. Proofs. Color Management. Compatibility. Redos. Upgrades. Customer Support. Training....
Complexity gives Reprographers an opportunity to dominate the competition by providing a refuge in a world of confusion.
Leadership is the beginning, middle and end in your quest for efficiency and profits.
As an owner or operations leader, your investment decisions will dramatically effect the future of your employees, clients and company. I am a big believer that you need leadership all the way through your organization.
Obviously, your front line managers will direct day-to-day success, but the leadership by your operators should not be underestimated. Their daily decisions in producing your product will determine overall quality control, customer service and sales. Often, leaders at the top forget the leadership needed at the bottom. Success is nurtured in a culture of leaders.
Choose your equipment carefully. Buy equipment to expand your current capabilities before you reach into unknown markets. Realize that equipment and people go together. Great equipment, with lots of features won’t do much good if your people don’t utilize your investment. Often, companies are tempted to “save” money after a big purchase by cutting back on training. We recommend you send as many operators as possible to your equipment manufacturers training class. A good printer will have several applications.
Training early is much better than waiting for a crisis. Remember to consider your total investment cost. Often, manufactors make money off consumables and service, not the equipment. Reliability should be considered whenever purchasing equipment. John Cronin has a great blog on "equipment costing" here. That color copier may seem inexpensive but when you add downtime you may be surprised. Also consider the cost of personnel it will take to run the equipment.
Never buy a piece of equipment without having a sales plan in place!