Allegra Network

Consolidation is happening at a rapid pace, but the companies that are going out of business are not failing because they are too small. Most often, it is because they have not adapted to digital technology or diversified.

A few decimals over time can equate to big money when applied to all of a company’s business. You should do it by extending changes for budgeted hourly rates to 2.xxx percent or 3.xxx percent. If you are dealing with click charges for digital output, again, extend it to x.xxx.

Top performing printers achieved an 86 percent or above loyalty rating, average performers were in the 77-85 percent range, and poor performers under 77 percent. AlphaGraphics-Strongsville, OH, topped the ranking, with 96 percent of customers “Very Likely” to recommend it.

I am getting a tired of hearing apologies for “giving away” what we used to call prepress or typesetting and, now with the advent of becoming marketing service providers, using marketing plans as a sales tool falls into the same category.

Over the last few weeks, I've read several reports on the state of the printing industry and the outlook for 2011. I’ve been surprised. Most of them project sales, especially in the direct marketing sector, to be up.

What gave me the most trouble writing this piece was deciding what title to give each scenario. Which is myth, which is reality and which is truth? We all must decide this for our own companies irrespective of what we see happening in the industry.

Michael Casey’s talk—“How to keep customers coming back.”—will offer advice on how to leverage technologies such as Printer’s Plan and EFI Printsmith software to improve revenue preservation strategies and expand business with existing accounts.

I recently asked one of our mergers and acquisitions managers to name the top 10 needs to ensure a successful printing business purchase/sale and transition. This list could be longer, but it does a pretty good job of identifying critical items

Sorry if that title sounds somewhat harsh. But the truth is, when serious injury occurs, many small business families are not financially prepared. Fact: On average, you have a one-in-five chance of becoming disabled between the ages of 35 and 65.

I wrote the headline as a question because I assume most of you will heartily disagree. Let’s see if I can make a case for you to reconsider your position. Maybe I can move you to “good” if not “great.”