In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Colin Sinclair McDermott about his print industry journey. They explore Colin's career, lessons from failures, and the importance of integrity. Topics include marketing pitfalls, understanding customers, and collaboration. Colin shares insights on sales strategies, LinkedIn's impact, and direct mail's role. They discuss hiring challenges, digital-print integration, and creative direct mail ideas. The episode also covers charity work, community involvement, and print mastermind groups, ending with Colin's volunteer efforts in Africa and a Kilimanjaro trip teaser.

(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest Colin Sinclair McDermott

(0:54) Colin's background in the print industry and career path discussion

(4:07) Learning from business failures and the importance of integrity

(10:55) Common marketing mistakes in the print industry

(17:56) The necessity of understanding customers and using surveys

(24:24) The role of collaborations and networking

(28:20) Evolution of print sales strategies and the impact of LinkedIn

(35:43) The relevance of direct mail in today's marketing

(41:32) Hiring challenges and strategies for print salespeople

(44:28) Integrating digital and print for marketing success

(45:35) Creative direct mail concepts and Colin's volunteer work in Africa

(57:23) The value of charity work and community involvement

(57:51) Benefits of print mastermind and peer groups

(1:03:43) Mastermind session structure and competitive knowledge sharing

(1:06:09) Conclusion of the conversation with Colin and episode wrap-up

(1:07:04) Sponsor: Upcoming Kilimanjaro trip

(1:08:05) Final thoughts and episode closure