In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt sits down with Tracy Archuleta to explore her deep experience in the print industry. They dive into the growing role of CRMs, the rise of embellishments, and key considerations for printers looking to invest in finishing equipment. Tracy shares her perspective on market shifts post-COVID, modern sales challenges, and the importance of authentic client interactions. The conversation also touches on creative workflows, ROI analysis, cost negotiations, and using AI to streamline tasks like contract reviews. They wrap up with practical negotiation tips and a call to respect every member of the team.

(0:00) Introduction of Tracy Archeletta and her roles in the print industry

(3:01) Tracy's background and the importance of CRMs in print

(7:35) The rise of embellishment in printing and MGI machine experiences

(17:49) Tips for printers on investing in embellishment equipment

(19:05) Market shifts, marketing roles, and COVID-19 impact on trends

(26:02) Modern sales challenges and the value of authentic interactions

(29:02) Utilizing tools for meeting efficiency in sales

(31:18) Traits of thriving print businesses and self-education recommendations

(35:13) Insights into the creative process and print production

(41:06) Analyzing ROI and strategies for equipment cost negotiation

(47:42) Support for commercial printers in deal negotiations and service agreements

(57:23) Leveraging AI for contract reviews and OEM relationship management

(1:02:05) Respecting all team members and final negotiation advice

(1:04:25) Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt converses with Christine Yardley from Print Panther, delving into her pioneering journey with embellishments in print. They discuss the early adoption of embellishments, their market reach, and the significance of investment in this area. Christine shares insights on her partnership with Konica Minolta and the realities of ROI in embellished printing. The conversation touches on competition's role in pricing, the importance of direct mail, and the value of quality business cards. They also explore digital embellishments, sustainability in digital printing, and the benefits of joining print peer groups. The episode wraps up with reflections on promoting print products using printed materials.

(0:00) Introduction of Christine Yardley and Print Panther

(1:32) Christine's journey and Print Panther's early embellishment adoption

(3:48) Rise of embellishment in print and Warren's definition

(7:27) Market reach and investment importance for embellished print

(10:31) Demand statistics for embellished print

(13:08) Christine's partnership with Konica Minolta and ROI realities

(17:39) Competition's impact on pricing and market dynamics

(24:17) Successful implementation and OEM support in print business

(27:24) Support differences between OEMs and lessons from equipment purchases

(33:19) Joining a print peer group and marketing strategies

(41:04) Importance of direct mail and quality business cards for printers

(44:23) Promoting print products using printed materials

(49:22) Digital embellishments in production and industry decision-making

(52:05) Sustainability in digital printing

(55:56) Final thoughts and wrap-up

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt engages with Lucy Swanston of Nutshell Creative to delve into her extensive background in the print industry. They discuss the role of trade associations and the Strategic Mailing Partnership in educating providers, and explore marketing and branding strategies within the print sector. The conversation touches on differences between the UK and North American print landscapes, attracting young talent, and evolving trends like high-end catalogs and direct mail. Lucy shares insights on building customer relationships, the impact of embellishments, and her experiences with Cannes Lions. The episode concludes with advice on industry events, marketing, and supporting new talent.

(0:00) Introduction of guest Lucy Swanston and Nutshell Creative

(1:09) Lucy's background in the print industry and Nutshell Creative's role

(3:37) Trade associations and the Strategic Mailing Partnership

(4:39) Balancing professional and passion projects

(5:32) Marketing and branding strategies in print

(7:12) Educating providers through trade associations

(8:29) UK vs North American print industry landscapes

(9:45) Attracting young talent to the print industry

(11:08) Evolving trends: High-end catalogs and direct mail

(18:02) Shifts in print project sizes and management

(23:33) Advice for printers: Industry events and marketing

(24:38) Building customer relationships in print businesses

(29:32) The role of embellishments in print design

(33:01) Fifth color printing vs. embellishments

(34:07) Lucy Swanston's experience with Cannes Lions

(36:04) Direct mail's impact as a digital disruptor

(41:51) Nutshell's future and supporting new industry talent

(45:19) Employee retention and team dynamics at Nutshell

(48:26) Lucy's final insights and advice

(49:25) Episode wrap-up and call for listener feedback

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt talks with Mark Geeves about the innovations and strategies transforming the print industry. They explore the origins of ColorLogic and its offerings, comparing conventional and digital printing techniques with a focus on embellishments and silver ink usage for color variations. The discussion covers digital embellishments for short runs, cost considerations, and the benefits of UV inkjet printing. Mark shares insights on global customer engagement, marketing strategies, and the importance of business cards. They also discuss Touch7 technology, label press benefits, and strategic planning for print businesses, emphasizing collaboration and differentiation in the industry.

(0:00) Introduction and Mark Jeeves' background

(1:40) Origin of ColorLogic and product overview

(3:28) Conventional vs. digital printing and embellishments

(10:21) Utilizing silver ink for color variations

(12:49) Visual tools, training resources, and customer support

(17:51) Digital embellishments for short runs and hybrid solutions

(24:28) Cost considerations for ColorLogic software

(25:48) Six-color offset printing and new equipment evaluation

(30:47) Marketing strategies and print business examples

(33:39) UV inkjet printing and embellished business cards benefits

(41:57) Global customer engagement and business cards importance

(45:46) Touch7 technology and creative marketing for printers

(48:39) UV inkjet innovations and label press benefits

(51:17) Large format printing enhancements

(52:23) Strategic planning and printer functionality verification

(54:07) Financial tips for print companies

(55:19) Differentiating your print business

(56:13) Hiring and training strategies

(57:10) Mark Jeeves' industry insights

(59:07) Collaboration with competitors

(1:00:01) Closing remarks and call to action

In this episode of Printing’s Alive, Warren Werbitt sits down with AI strategist Alex “Northstar” Enache to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the print industry and empowering small businesses. Discover actionable AI insights, tools that boost productivity and sales, and practical strategies to improve work-life balance and client relationships. Learn how to overcome common AI myths, embrace a data-and-intuition mindset, and prepare your business to be AI-ready. Whether you're a print professional or business leader, this conversation delivers valuable guidance to thrive in an AI-driven future.

(0:00) Introduction to Episode and Guest Alex Northstar

(0:46) Alex Northstar's Background and AI in Print

(2:12) AI Progress and Practical Benefits in Business

(5:15) Human Limitations and AI Misconceptions

(9:33) The Value of Paid AI Tools

(12:33) AI for Business: Sales and Conversion Improvement

(19:46) AI Solutions for Small Business Challenges

(23:16) AI for Work-Life Balance and Efficiency

(27:14) AI in Personal Relationships and Decision Making

(31:23) Daily Applications of AI and Addressing Fears

(36:29) Practical Business Benefits and AI Necessity Evaluation

(41:09) AI for Client Interactions and Time Management

(46:58) Business Leader Mindset Shift for the Future

(48:17) Intuition vs. Data-Driven Decisions

(50:34) Steps to Become AI Ready

(53:24) AI as a Tool, Not the End Goal

(54:43) Evaluating AI Tools for Business

(56:09) AI Tools in Daily Work and Human Connection

(58:12) Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by futurist Elatia Abate to explore the evolving landscape of the printing industry. They discuss how to balance current strategies with future AI advancements and the importance of embracing change over linear thinking. Reflecting on lessons from COVID, they highlight the value of human interaction and maintaining a positive mindset. The conversation delves into AI's role in communication, emotional intelligence, and ethical considerations. Elatia shares insights on AI conferences and steps for business integration, emphasizing the need for a future-led strategy.

(0:10) Introduction of Elatia Abate and her role as a futurist

(2:24) Change in the printing industry and setting the context for innovation

(6:35) Balancing current strategies with future AI advancements

(10:32) Linear thinking vs. embracing change in business

(14:14) Lessons from COVID and the value of human interaction

(21:47) Positive mindset, meditation, and regenerative resilience

(26:33) Rethinking business strategies with AI

(30:19) AI's role in communication and emotional intelligence

(34:38) Ethical considerations and paying for AI services

(36:01) AI conferences and empowerment technology

(44:55) Steps to prepare for AI integration in business

(51:08) Embracing a future-led strategy and managing information

(52:55) Contacting Elatia Abate and final listener takeaways

(55:26) The necessity of continuous change in the printing industry

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with sales expert Bill Farquharson about the changing landscape of sales in the print industry. Bill highlights key traits for today's successful salespeople, like kindness and authenticity. They discuss managing ineffective salespeople, setting clear expectations, and the strategic use of LinkedIn and AI. The conversation also covers the importance of company support, understanding client needs, and the value of leadership and training. Tune in to explore how to equip sales hires with the right tools and adapt to younger generations in sales.

(0:00) Introduction and guest introduction

(0:34) Bill's background and thoughts on longevity and personality in sales

(4:04) Salespeople traits: kindness, empathy, authenticity, and success identification

(7:18) The impact and management of ineffective salespeople

(11:06) Defining a good salesperson in the modern era

(14:11) The importance of company support and understanding client needs

(19:17) Leveraging LinkedIn and marketing in sales strategies

(22:59) Using AI to enhance LinkedIn profiles and sales attitudes

(27:23) Setting expectations and equipping sales hires with tools

(35:25) The benefits of owners joining sales reps on client visits

(39:10) Understanding client motivations and the necessity of AI in sales

(45:16) AI application in email communication and as a conversational companion

(48:05) Encouraging salespeople to seek help and overcome challenges

(52:23) The role of leadership, training, and cross-departmental learning in sales

(57:19) Client engagement, passion for the job, and finding common interests

(1:01:26) Adapting to younger generations and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Tim Andrews discuss ASI's role in the promotional product space and its partnership with Printing United Alliance. Warren shares his experience as an ASI member, offering insights into integrating promo products into print businesses. They explore industry evolution, quality improvements, and the importance of educating printers. Topics include marketing strategies, dispelling myths, enhancing customer service, the ESP platform, trade shows, and the ROI of quality items. Sustainability trends, tariffs, and the business advantages of promotional products are also highlighted, along with upcoming ASI shows.

(0:00) Episode introduction with Warren Werbitt and guest

(0:46) Role of ASI in the promotional product space and partnership with Printing United Alliance

(2:59) Warren’s ASI membership experience and promo product insights

(5:16) Integrating promo products into print businesses for added benefits

(7:32) Evolution and quality in the promo industry with print integration

(9:19) Educating printers on promo industry opportunities

(11:27) Marketing strategies for promo products in print businesses

(19:43) Dispelling myths about the promo industry for printers

(22:25) Enhancing customer service with promotional products

(26:01) Simplifying order processes with the ESP platform

(27:46) Value of trade shows and educational events for industry professionals

(31:16) ASI membership and ESP license bundles

(34:54) Incentives for attending ASI trade shows

(39:04) Quad Graphics' expansion into promotional products

(41:09) Combining promotional products with print services

(43:01) Branded apparel's impact on team cohesion and brand image

(44:39) ROI of investing in quality promotional items

(46:11) Trends in sustainability and transparency within the industry

(48:51) Tariffs and their impact on the print industry

(52:07) Business advantages of using promotional products

(53:35) Announcement of upcoming ASI shows and events

(55:06) Encouragement to explore promotional products and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Nick Gawreluk from Print Profit about print industry profitability. They discuss traditional vs. modern costing methods, contribution margins, and job profitability. Nick shares his industry challenges, highlighting the significance of sales, pricing strategy, and customer value. They also cover generational leadership, MIS integration, competitive pricing, and collaboration. The episode addresses ROI on equipment, support for small print shops, rising operational costs, and business ethics. Tune in for insights on navigating the evolving print landscape.

(0:00) Introduction of Nick G from Print Profit

(1:47) History and Evolution of Print Industry Profitability

(2:39) Traditional vs. Modern Costing and Pricing in Printing

(4:11) Nick G's Passion for and Challenges in the Print Industry

(7:19) Understanding Contribution Margin and Job Profitability

(10:02) The Role of Sales and Simplifying Cost Analysis

(14:12) Fixed Costs, Contribution Margins, and Profitability Software

(17:22) Changing Mindsets and Modern Pricing Methods

(21:27) Customer Value, Data Clarity, and Pricing Strategy

(23:30) Diversity of Experiences Across Print Company Sizes

(28:25) Generational Leadership and MIS Integration in Printing

(34:22) Competitive Pricing and Relationship Leverage in Print Sales

(42:47) Industry Collaboration and Resource Optimization

(44:46) Evaluating ROI on New Printing Equipment Investments

(46:30) Support and Peer Groups for Small Print Shops

(48:24) Case Studies on Large Format Printing Press Investments

(50:06) Rising Operational Costs and Business Ethics in Printing

(51:47) Positive Energy and Addressing Pain Points in Printing

(55:09) Persistence, Opportunities, and OEM Support in Printing

(57:41) Excitement and Risks in Printing Equipment Investments

(58:17) Future Plans for the Podcast and Industry Support

(59:11) Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of Printing’s Alive, Warren Werbitt—The Print Whisperer—is joined by marketing expert Amanda Bronowski to dive deep into marketing strategies tailored for the print industry. Discover Amanda’s journey, the most common marketing mistakes printers make, and why having a marketing playbook is essential for growth. Learn from a real-world case study on how an envelope manufacturer’s missteps in personalization and brand consistency cost them big. The conversation covers actionable, low-cost marketing tactics like targeted direct mail, pro bono community work, and engaging customer demos. They also share insights on leveraging social media, hosting events, and building stronger customer relationships. Packed with practical tips and real success stories, this episode is a must-watch for printers looking to elevate their marketing game. Stay tuned for upcoming segments that dive even deeper into print industry success.

(0:00) Introduction of Amanda Brnofsky and her print industry background

(1:17) Printers' approach to marketing and common industry pitfalls

(4:22) The critical role of marketing playbooks and the cost of neglect

(7:23) The necessity of print in marketing and business operations

(13:13) Effectiveness of direct mail and building a marketing campaign

(17:35) Personalization and consistency in marketing strategies

(19:48) Case study: Envelope manufacturer's marketing failure

(21:33) Identifying and overcoming marketing roadblocks

(24:03) Leveraging direct mail and pro bono work for brand growth

(27:57) Proactive customer engagement and low-cost marketing tactics

(30:25) The impact of business cards and differentiating sales from marketing

(32:17) Social media strategies and customer engagement through demos

(37:19) Comprehensive marketing strategies for print companies

(41:33) Hosting events to enhance company visibility

(43:02) Future segment teasers and listener engagement

(45:16) Final thoughts and call to action