This issue is focused on the successes that are brought about by connecting with others. Most of us inherently know that we can accomplish more together than we can individually. That’s what the 90’s catchword ‘synergy’ is all about. In this economic climate competition in the graphic arts industry is so fierce that going it alone is next to impossible. However, there is an interesting decision there… how do you pick your partners? It is competition after all. You cannot be everyone’s partner. There will always be competitors. In this month’s issue Tony Curcio discusses some successful industry alliances. The article gives examples of printer and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partnerships as well as partnerships between OEMs. At their core each of these partnerships are always symbiotic in nature. Strong win-win advantage is necessary. However I think the level of “pain” resolved is also important. Is there something within your workflow that is a particular slow spot? Are you having issues feeding files into the system? Or is product waiting on the shop floor to be bound? Start thinking about who can help with these types of problems. The likelihood is that the solution that they build for you will benefit their core competencies as well!
Not sure what your pains are? Make sure you read this issue’s great article by Dave Fellman, who will help you understand that the answers are with you staff; you just have to listen. Associations are of course another great method of partnering within the industry and supporting our industry as a whole. Take a look at our explanation of some of the changes happening at the CPIA. Their new recruitment campaign may have you joining! And for your quick fix of print geekery, Diana Brown has written a wonderful article about the Drinkable Book. This is a book composed of special paper used to filter drinking water. It is absolutely amazing to think that one book can provide an individual four years of clean water, all at a very low cast. Who said paper is low tech!?
Partners in…Print!
