Business Management - Operations

I’ve heard the following seven words a time or two when visiting our franchise members: "We have never done it that way." It’s human nature to continue doing the things we believe will work rather than something that requires taking a risk...or something suggested by a staff member, a fellow shop owner or business advisor.

Dorstener Wire Drawing has opened a new U.S. manufacturing and distribution facility in York, PA. Dorstener Wire Drawing, founded in 2013, is a member of the Dorstener Group of Companies. Operations in York, PA, started in January 2014 and will be in full production by October 2014.

Commercial Printing firm Trinity Graphic in Sarasota, FL, has announced the launching of new company branding in conjunction with a series of new company products and services.

 This diversification of the company and restructured business model will allow Trinity Graphic to more effectively answer current customers' constantly changing needs, as well as offer a wider range of printing services to potential corporate clients.

So, take the entertainment industry—PLEASE! But, seriously—let's look at some TRUTHS and also some of the FICTION or MYTHS about business. Before I begin, let me assure you, the point of this blog is not to off-handedly criticize the entertainment industry, but to make what I think you'll agree is a valid point.

I have said often that I think there is more fun and opportunity in this industry now than when I started in 1985; it’s just different. You have a big advantage in owning your own business and understanding this market. It simply takes action, hard work and the willingness to get some help and to think differently than in the past.

Owning a business is the opportunity of a lifetime! We've all seen the "rich" and "famous" doing it, right? But, like in Alice’s Wonderland, in the mythological and uncharted world of business, we can have an entrepreneurial attack and jump in with both feet—down the “rabbit hole” of owning our own business—only to find that nothing is quite what it’s supposed to be.

In recent months, I have been reminded a couple of times how disaster can strike our businesses. Over the holidays one of our franchise members had a break-in that caused a fire, burning the center to the ground. Disaster struck, but fortunately, the owner had good insurance coverage, a second location that allowed for minimal business interruption and a franchise network for support.

The Joseph Merritt Co. of Hartford, CT, has announced the move of its grand-format printing division, Merritt Graphics Big Color, to a new 27,000-square-foot facility at Prestige Park Road in East Hartford, CT. The new location will suit the continued expansion of Big Color printing capabilities and product offerings.

You might remember the Mr. Magoo cartoons, years ago. While Magoo drove his motor car—smiling, singing, and enjoying his day—bedlam was always breaking out all around him. It was the OTHER people who were the recipients of Magoo’s erratic and chaotic handling of his vehicle. More than a few business owners seem to suffer from “The Magoo Syndrome!” Could that be YOU?

We are always nervous about informing our customers that our services will cost more. However, I have always looked on paper price increases as more of an opportunity than a problem.