The New Differentiators in Print

Printing industry leaders are being tested like never before. Between economic uncertainty, changing buyer habits, labor shortages, and fast-moving tech, the old playbook just doesn’t cut it anymore. What used to be your edge? It’s now just table stakes. Many businesses are using this uncertainty to gain a competitive advantage – how about your business?

The companies that will survive—and more importantly, thrive—are the ones that stay grounded, move with purpose, and stay focused on what matters most to their clients and teams. In my experience, four areas stand out: agility, innovation, communication, and talent. Let’s zoom in on agility and innovation—and how they impact both retention and acquisition.

Agility: A Strategic Advantage in a Shifting Market

Agility isn’t about chasing every trend or reacting to the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being able to anticipate, adapt, and pivot without losing your footing. In print, that might mean flipping a production schedule for a client in a bind, or recommending a new format based on current trends.

And real agility starts at the top—with mindset and structure. The most effective leaders I’ve worked with build cultures where teams are trusted to make quick decisions and keep communication flowing. They flatten hierarchies, eliminate unnecessary layers, and encourage collaboration between estimating, scheduling, production, tech, and account teams. Everyone’s aligned. Fewer surprises. Imagine that.

Agility sets you apart. In a world where speed matters, clients want a partner who sees around corners and solves problems early. If your team’s known for “just figuring it out,” you’re already ahead—and word gets around.

It also pays off internally. With tech changing workflows and the talent market in flux, rigid companies are stalling. Agile companies keep testing, adjusting, and moving. They don’t fear bottlenecks—they see them as opportunities to excel. And they use data, not just gut instinct, to guide the way.

Innovation: The Key to Winning (and Keeping) Business

Say “innovation” in our industry and people think equipment. And yes, that matters—new presses, automation, smart workflow tools. But innovation’s also about how you think, lead, and engage.

Your clients are stretched. Smaller teams, shorter timelines, tighter budgets. They’re not looking for someone to just “get the file and print it.” They want a partner who’ll help them get noticed, stay relevant, and work smarter. That’s where you come in.

So how can a print shop innovate? Think about how you sell—are you bringing fresh ideas or just taking specs? How you serve—are you making it easy to submit jobs, proof files, and check progress? What you offer—are you experimenting with new substrates, finishes, or tech integrations?

Innovation doesn’t always mean a big rollout. It’s often a bunch of small, thoughtful changes that signal: “We’re thinking ahead for you.” And that builds the kind of trust that keeps clients coming back.

Agility + Innovation = Growth

Together, agility and innovation fuel growth. Agile teams act fast on great ideas. Innovative teams constantly give clients a reason to engage. When you combine the two, you unlock:

1. Customer Retention
2. New Business Acquisition
3. True Differentiation in a Crowded Market

What’s Next?

Agility and innovation are just two of the levers that matter right now. In future posts, I’ll dive into communication and talent—how to build teams that are aligned, accountable, and ready for whatever’s next.

Until then, here are a few quick gut-checks:

• Are we easy to work with?
• Are we bringing new ideas to the table?
• Can we adapt fast—or are we stuck in old habits?

Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic direction, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email at mphilie@philiegroup.com.

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.