5 Ways Printers Can Keep that Fire in the Belly

Here are five things that may help bolster you mentally as you look ahead to 2012.

1) You have a bunch of customers who still need stuff.

Other businesses would love to have the business relationships you have cultivated. You have spent decades getting to know your customers on a first-name basis and earned their trust. New businesses need to earn that trust and show what they can do, but you’ve already done that. Pick your next most-lucrative business opportunity and gear up to dominate.

Your customers will give you a shot beyond print. The important thing is focus. Don’t do a little sign making, dabble in Website services, add a bit of marketing services. Analyze your customer base and decide which one service would make a dent in your print revenue losses. Then, go for it. Really go for it.

I recently had the pleasure to spend time with Mitch Evans, an industry leader who has been at it for a while. No, Mitch, I’m not saying you are old, just experienced. I hate it when my wife says that to me.

Mitch is sharp and grew his sign revenue to $500,000 per year by focusing on it as the major part of his diversification strategy. That is a nice business unit. It all happened because he had the discipline and focus to go beyond just printing wide-format posters, signs, etc. and really embrace the entire business model.

2) You have the business maturity and experience to know how to use technology effectively.

Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. You know a ton about business. Once you learn a new technology, you will see how to apply it to drive revenue. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your 20- something employees for help. Pay for help if needed, but get up to speed now.