New Vision Is Thriving Despite Bad Economy --Michelson

In fact, Stewart and his staff are always looking for novel ways to help their clientele—and build a loyal following in the process. Adhering to the credo of "Creative Ideas Unleashed," he is constantly on the lookout for simple, often commonsense, promotional and marketing ideas. For example, New Vision started giving away 5-1⁄2x8-1⁄2? note pads printed with the wording "Dad's things to do list" as bait to reel in business for its custom note pad capabilities. Soon, customers were asking how they could order customized note pads featuring their own companies' names and logos. "Many of the ideas we come up with are not original," Stewart admits. "I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. Often, the key is to just make what are old ideas seem fresh."

One of his favorite posters features the late comedian Jonathan Winters yelling into a phone: "What? You want it good, fast and cheap? Pick two and call me back." "We're able to provide all three, so our printing is really cost-effective," Stewart stresses. Just like the other four well-managed, small commercial/quick print shops featured on this issue's cover, New Vision realizes that the failure to constantly innovate and provide one's products and services good, fast and cheap is no laughing matter. And may even be fatal.

Mark T. Michelson