Here at Technifold USA we’re all about coming up with ways to help you to do far more with what you already have in your bindery department. In our conversations with thousands of print finishers we often hear a recurring theme. That is, that some of their best print finishing resources are often discovered right under their noses.
Quickly, which of the piles of mail in the photos at the right would you want to open first? The top photo is machine processed. The lower photo shows mail that required assembly by a human being. If you picked the “human touch” mail, you’ve tapped into an idea that can increase profits and make you a hero to your customers. Allow me to explain.
In a recent Bindery Success Blog article we talked about the importance of folding dummies. One reader asked us if there were any generally accepted practices for marking a folding dummy properly. As with most print finishing processes, there isn’t a single, universally accepted practice. Even so, there are a few proven techniques I’ve seen in practice which will prevent trouble in the bindery.
Is there such a thing as too much due diligence? Dictionaries define it as “research and analysis of a company or organization done in preparation for a business transaction.” Some people love the act of researching a purchase. They’ll spend hours investigating a $50 gadget before they commit. On the other end of the spectrum are those who leave with a $50,000 car an hour after walking into the dealership on a whim.
Most of us fall somewhere in between. But then there are those who seriously overdo their diligence (pun in
One effective way to get fresh ideas and inspiration for improving our productivity is to look at other industries. While I was watching a recent video about the latest Red Bull Air Races, it dawned on me that there are several similarities between the printing profession and competitive air racing. Because of the competitive nature of both industries, I figured there was bound to be something we could take away for our own personal and professional use.
If you work in a print finishing job, your first question might be, “Why would I want to become a print finishing expert?” One reason is that if you’re not perceived as an expert, colleagues and customers simply don’t care what you think. As an expert, people trust you and are eager to believe you. This makes it easier for you to do your job effectively. For instance, it’s more likely that when you suggest a change in the production schedule it will be accepted if you are looked at as knowledgeable.
You might not think a poorly executed phone call from a sales person could lead to a discussion on business skills and the meaning of life, but it happens here at Technifold USA. Strange behavior from one caller had us asking why some sales people are afraid to admit they’re sales people.
It seems that outside of family, we only have a handful of people we truly consider important. Just a few friends, mentors or colleagues stand out when we look back on our lives. Paul Barrett, the National Sales Technician for Tech-ni-fold Ltd in the UK is, for me, one of those people.
“I’ve been doing it this way for thirty years.” That old-timer phrase, or some variation of it, always provokes a strong reaction in me. I heard it again recently while involved in a bindery equipment troubleshooting call. My immediate thought is almost always, “OK, brace yourself.” (I don’t think I ever said it aloud!) But as I age, or maybe I should say “as I add to my own 35 years of experience in the printing business,” I found there is often much to be learned by reflecting on why such a statement might be bothering me.
During this time of year there is always a bit of mild craziness hanging in the air. At your print shop there could be year-end deadlines to meet with fewer work days to meet them and perhaps a party to arrange (or attend). At home you’ve got your list of gifts to buy and family functions to arrange and attend. Sometimes the stress leaks out in less than positive ways.