Printing's Alive

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

Join Warren Werbitt, Jules Van Sant, and Steve Falk in Episode 20 of Printing’s Alive as they explore the power of scholarships in print education. They discuss Canadian Print Scholarships and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) and share personal industry experiences, highlighting strategies to engage youth and dispel misconceptions about print. The conversation delves into HR practices, the impact of modern technology, and the importance of company culture and mentorship. Success stories illustrate the long-term benefits of scholarships, while expert advice emphasizes supporting the next generation. The episode wraps up with insights on student involvement in fundraising and details on scholarship applications.

(0:00) Introduction of guests and the role of scholarships in print education

(1:29) Overview of the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF)

(6:02) Personal experiences and backgrounds in the print industry

(8:49) Combating misconceptions and engaging youth in print

(13:00) Strategies to promote the print industry to young people

(21:20) HR practices and mentoring roles in industry engagement

(27:10) The impact of modern technology on the print industry

(30:08) Success stories and the importance of engaging young hires

(33:25) Long-term benefits of scholarships for the print industry

(37:16) The significance of embellishments and mentorship programs

(46:49) The essential role of company culture in the printing business

(51:18) Final insights from guests and scholarship application details

(53:51) Encouraging student involvement in industry fundraising

(54:38) Expert advice for supporting the next generation in print

(55:29) Closing thoughts and podcast wrap-up

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Paul Stead, Georgina Hebbard, and Lara Vigar to delve into the Young People in Print (YPIP) initiative and its significance for the industry. The discussion covers the guests' backgrounds and their journey into print, highlighting programs like ASL's apprenticeship and the Printing Charity's Rising Stars. They explore the transition from social media to print, emotional connections to the medium, and the importance of diversity. The conversation addresses gender and age demographics, funding for YPIP, and perceptions among youth. Emphasizing communication across generations, the episode encourages young individuals to consider print careers and discusses AI's evolving role.

(0:10) Introduction and guest presentations

(2:56) Young People in Print (YPIP) initiative and its importance

(6:15) Guest backgrounds and entry into the print industry

(9:15) Customer engagement and the social media to print transition

(11:40) ASL's apprenticeship and the Printing Charity's Rising Stars programs

(17:37) Personal experiences and emotional connections to printing

(24:04) Gender and age demographics in the print industry

(26:13) Funding for YPIP and its impact on the industry

(31:58) Perceptions of the print industry among youth

(34:21) Educating customers and dispelling industry misconceptions

(43:11) The value of communication and learning across generations

(47:00) Encouraging youth to consider print careers and discussing AI's role

(52:08) Final encouragements and importance of diversity in print

(55:08) Closing remarks and call to action

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and guest Al Kennickell from Kennickell Group dive into the intersection of AI and business, starting with insights for family business owners and the transition to AI-driven operations. They discuss BoodleBox's innovative AI applications and explore AI's impact across various industries, including nonprofit work. The conversation highlights engaging younger generations with AI, optimizing sales, and enhancing print shop operations. They touch on quantum computing, AI risks, and the art of summarization. Wrapping up with the importance of hard work, luck in business, and future AI dialogues, the episode sets the stage for upcoming events and keynotes.

(0:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(1:27) History and Advice for Family Business Owners

(3:14) Transition to AI in Business

(7:38) BootleBox and AI Applications in Business

(19:06) AI's Impact on Various Industries

(25:35) AI in Nonprofit Work and Challenges

(29:30) Engaging Younger Generations with AI

(31:11) Using AI for Sales and Expert Tasks

(37:15) AI in Print Shop Operations and Personal Uses

(46:46) Embracing AI in Sales Teams

(57:41) Quantum Computing, AI Risks, and Summarization

(1:04:35) Sponsor: Printing United

(1:05:07) Upcoming Keynote and Importance of Hard Work

(1:10:58) Luck in Business and Future AI Discussions

(1:12:26) Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

In Episode 17 of Printing’s Alive, Warren Werbitt dives into the evolving role of baby boomers in the printing industry and how their legacy is shaping its future. The conversation covers the impact of babyboomers.org, the generation’s relationship with emerging tech like AI, and the challenges of an aging workforce. Learn how mentorship, succession planning, and young professionals’ associations are helping bridge generational gaps. From the fate of physical books to digital transformation and leadership lessons, this episode explores what it means to pass the torch and keep print alive in a rapidly changing world.

(0:10) Introduction to the episode

(0:43) Exploring babyboomers.org and its importance in the print industry

(3:10) The legacy and experiences of baby boomers

(10:00) Generational contrasts: Baby boomers, technology, and reading

(21:15) AI, technology, and the challenges for baby boomers today

(24:18) The future of physical books and an aging printing workforce

(27:47) Business succession and the impact of AI in printing

(30:02) Bridging generational gaps and forming a young professionals association

(37:28) Baby boomers' changing lifestyles and digital transformation in print

(51:00) Training the next generation and technological advancements in printing

(55:04) Book discussion and the evolution of the internet

(59:02) Setting examples and teaching kindness to the younger generation

(1:03:39) Closing remarks and promotion of babyboomer.org

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Nile Said from GoOneUp joins to discuss his journey from a diverse background to becoming a coach, sharing personal insights into the evolution of coaching and his experiences with burnout. The conversation explores recognizing burnout signs, the critical role of self-care, and navigating a nervous breakdown through daily habits. Listeners learn about overcoming negativity bias with self-awareness and acceptance. The transformative power of personal challenges is highlighted, along with the significance of personal achievements and strategy sessions.

(0:10) Introduction of guest Nile Saeed

(0:29) Nile Saeed's background and transition to coaching

(3:03) Evolution of coaching and personal experiences with burnout

(13:59) Recognizing the signs of burnout and the impact of self-care

(29:03) Navigating a nervous breakdown and the importance of daily habits

(40:00) Overcoming negativity bias through self-awareness and acceptance

(51:52) Sponsor: Go One Up

(55:21) The transformative power of personal challenges

(1:09:47) Significance of personal achievements and strategy sessions

(1:13:04) Closing remarks and episode sign-off

In this episode of Printing's Alive, delve into creative marketing with a special guest as we explore video marketing highlights and the synergy between direct mail and digital marketing. The discussion emphasizes the importance of authenticity and taking risks, showcasing successful companies that have modernized the printing industry. Discover the impact of generational shifts on digital presence, employee-generated content, and print's role in everyday life. The episode advocates for a national print awareness campaign and provides insights into direct mail strategies, sales training, and engaging content. Personal stories illustrate brand development, relationship building, and a call to action concludes with an invitation for future guests.

(0:10) Introduction and special guest announcement

(0:47) Creative marketing campaigns and video marketing highlights

(7:15) Direct mail and digital marketing integration

(10:09) Addressing feedback and the importance of marketing authenticity

(13:40) Taking risks in marketing and mention of successful companies

(26:43) Generational shifts and modernizing the printing industry

(31:02) Digital presence and employee-generated content

(35:03) Print's ubiquitous role in everyday life

(39:22) Advocating for a national print awareness campaign

(41:25) Direct mail marketing strategies and sales team training

(47:39) Engaging marketing content and the power of video

(51:09) Brand development and personal storytelling in business

(57:31) Personal anecdotes and business relationship building

(59:05) Call to action for listeners and final marketing insights

(1:00:08) Warren's closing remarks and invitation for future guests

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Jessica DeCola from GPA shares her journey and challenges in the printing industry, emphasizing the growing leadership roles for women. She discusses her role at GPA, focusing on sustainability initiatives and the complexities of the industry. The conversation delves into the human and cultural aspects of sustainability and the mental health mission of the LinkedIn group "Sheet for Brains." Personal stories highlight the importance of therapy, with tools like Talk It Out and meditation apps discussed. The episode also explores the connection between mental and physical health, work-life balance, and company policies supporting mental health, concluding with future aspirations for the "Sheet for Brains" community.

(0:00) Introduction of Jessica DeCola from GPA Papers

(0:54) Jessica's experience and challenges in the printing industry

(2:31) Women's increasing leadership roles in print

(2:48) Jessica's role at GPA: Sustainability initiatives and industry complexities

(6:00) Sustainability's human and cultural aspects

(10:19) The LinkedIn group "Sheet for Brains" and its mental health mission

(18:09) Personal stories and the importance of therapy in the print community

(26:32) Mental health tools: Talk It Out and Meditation apps

(33:07) Connecting mental and physical health; the importance of hobbies

(36:31) Supporting mental health through company policies

(41:25) Work-life balance and workplace flexibility strategies

(44:37) Future aspirations for the Sheet for Brains community

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Steve Metcalf unveils Imagine AI Live, inspired by a ChatGPT moment. Explore the need for business-driven AI conferences and how AI turns everyone into a startup, as Warren Werbitt suggests. Reflect on last year's event and discover this year's collaboration with Printing United, emphasizing AI's impact on marketing. Notable speakers tackle AI fears and job security. Delve into AI's role in automating workflows, historical tech comparisons, and its effect on the printing industry. Learn about AI's daily benefits and cognitive shifts, with insights from Warren's lead generation experience. Conclude with final thoughts.

(0:00) Introduction of Steve Metcalf and Imagine AI Live

(1:25) Inspiration and ChatGPT moment for Imagine AI Live

(3:42) The need for business-focused AI conferences

(5:45) Warren Werbitt on AI's impact and everyone as a startup

(8:14) Networking and personal AI experiences

(10:20) Reflections on last year's Imagine AI Live conference

(12:24) This year's event collaboration with Printing United and overview

(15:24) AI's influence in marketing, advertising, and venue highlights

(17:01) Notable speakers lineup and session format

(22:30) Addressing AI fears and job security

(24:56) AI for automating workflows and meeting organization

(27:31) AI advancements compared to historical tech leaps

(28:52) AI potential in the printing industry and expert knowledge preservation

(32:07) AI's impact on various industries

(38:43) Daily benefits and cognitive shifts with AI

(44:26) Sponsor: Printing United Alliance announcement

(49:18) AI tools for the printing industry and Warren's lead generation experience

(53:59) Introduction to Ignitech, AI avatars, and final thoughts

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Mark Hahn delves into Graphic Arts Advisors' services and succession planning in the print industry. He outlines key steps for selling a print business, emphasizing timelines, advisor roles, future value, and human factors in acquisitions. Mark also tackles challenges in the due diligence process, ESOPs, family succession, and M&A trends, underscoring the need for specialized legal advice. He shares insights on M&A success rates, post-sale satisfaction, and the role of industry-specific advisors. Tips for business owners and common selling mistakes are discussed, with closing thoughts and a future episode preview.

(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome with Mark Hahn

(2:32) Graphic Arts Advisors' services and succession planning in the print industry

(5:57) Key steps and considerations when selling a print business

(11:21) Timeline and advisor roles in business sales

(18:14) Future value and human factors in acquisitions

(21:02) Challenges in the due diligence process

(30:01) ESOPs in the printing industry and family succession

(39:53) M&A trends and the importance of specialized legal advice

(48:02) M&A success rates and post-sale satisfaction

(54:00) Consulting roles in post-closing transitions and M&A overviews

(1:00:19) The necessity of industry-specific advisors in mergers and acquisitions

(1:04:34) Tips for business owners contemplating a sale

(1:07:17) Common selling mistakes and the value of professional advisors

(1:08:45) Closing thoughts and future episode preview