How do we see ourselves? As manufacturers and suppliers of printed products, or providers of a business service?

In the yellow pages, printers come under the later. However in reality, our infrastructure, processes and mindset are clearly following the manufacturing path. The recent  PrintEx trade show again proved our passion for production and heavy hardware.

However as confirmed by surveys worldwide, the industry's market leaders often take a different path. They focus upon customer service, going well beyond the normal 'better quality, price and delivery' scenario. They constantly re-invent themselves with new client services, evolving IT systems, good processes and smart sales strategies that match emerging market needs. They embrace change.

In these innovative companies the words 'because that's the way we've always done it' is often reason for instant dismissal. Yet it's a phrase often heard in our industry as justification to maintain the status quo, especially when it comes to front-end sales processes. It holds us back individually and as an industry.

Comments (1)

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written by Brian S, July 25, 2007

Couldn't agree more. But developing IT systems and marketing strategies is a big leap for most of us.