Printing's Alive

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Yehuda Niv from Spines.com discusses Spines' AI-based services and their impact on publishing and company growth. He contrasts AI with traditional publishing, highlighting benefits for authors and addressing misconceptions about AI and printed books. Warren shares insights on the industry's AI-driven evolution. Topics include Spines' market focus, brand strategies, collaboration with printing companies, and AI's role in content review. The episode also covers book production pricing, distribution options, new author tools, and the future of one-click publishing. Yehuda offers advice for aspiring authors and future collaborations.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome to Yehuda Niv from Spines.com

(1:04) Overview of Spines, AI-based services, and Yehuda's journey

(3:01) The impact of AI on publishing and company growth

(5:18) AI vs. traditional publishing and benefits for authors

(7:41) Misconceptions about AI and the value of printed books

(11:07) Warren's experience with book publishing and AI's industry impact

(14:11) Spines' market focus, expansion, and interest from publishing houses

(17:31) Spines' uniqueness, competition, and brand building strategies

(19:25) Collaboration with printing companies and team management

(23:05) AI's role in the industry and the importance of content review

(27:01) Book production pricing, turnaround, and distribution options

(30:23) New author tools and one-click publishing's future vision

(39:32) Metadata optimization and publishing criteria

(46:37) Self-publishing challenges, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness

(55:09) Author's alterations, print on demand tech, and personal branding

(59:38) Motivations for publishing and future collaborations

(1:01:16) Final advice for aspiring authors and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Jennifer McConnell from Royal Out West discusses her role and the company's innovative printing services, including sustainable sugar sheet paper. She highlights effective marketing strategies and PrintForward's training program, debunking the myth that print is dead. Jennifer explores Royal Out West's growth, investments in equipment, and staff development. She shares advice for women in the industry, discusses company culture, and reflects on family business dynamics. Jennifer emphasizes self-awareness, overcoming adversity, and the power of belief and support, encouraging listener engagement.

(0:00) Introduction of Jennifer McConnell from Royal Out West

(1:26) Jennifer's role and Royal Out West's printing services

(4:46) Sustainability with sugar sheet paper

(6:29) Marketing and maintenance strategies in printing

(11:35) PrintForward's training program and promoting print

(15:04) Misconception of print being dead and Royal Out West's growth

(18:21) Investing in printing equipment and staff development

(22:02) Learning from industry mistakes and the value of networking

(25:13) Women in the printing industry and advice for the younger generation

(34:48) Employee fit, personal growth, and company culture

(45:57) Family business dynamics and creating a positive work environment

(50:05) Living your best life through self-awareness and overcoming adversity

(56:21) The importance of belief, self-truth, and offering support

(58:05) Closing remarks and listener engagement

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Jon Bailey from Precision Proco discusses the company's evolution, specialization, and commitment to a customer-centric approach. The conversation delves into innovation, the role of customer feedback in shaping marketing strategies, and the impact of company size on culture and leadership. John highlights the importance of employee engagement, the leadership approach, and their recruitment philosophy. The episode also covers storytelling, industry gossip, and the exchange of ideas. Mental health awareness and work-life balance are emphasized as crucial components of a healthy work environment. The episode concludes with John's closing remarks and a glimpse into future plans.

(0:10) Introduction of John Bailey from Precision Proco

(1:10) Precision Proco's evolution, specialization, and customer-centric approach

(5:00) Innovation, customer feedback, and marketing strategies

(6:47) Company size, culture, leadership, and employee impact

(13:10) Employee engagement, leadership approach, and recruitment philosophy

(21:45) Storytelling, industry gossip, and sharing ideas

(32:29) Mental health awareness and work-life balance

(36:22) Closing remarks and future plans

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Deborah Corn and Kelly Mallozzi discuss the transformative journey of Girls Who Print and the advantages of its nonprofit status. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship in addressing the workforce crisis and tackling unconscious and gender biases in the printing industry. They share future plans to enhance inclusivity and the role of the industry in attracting talent, including the relationship with FESPA. The episode explores strategies for global expansion, member engagement, and challenging industry norms. Deborah and Kelly emphasize the value of vocational training, the need for positive work environments, and the celebration of pride and community within the print industry.

(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guests

(1:23) Girls Who Print transformation and nonprofit benefits

(4:49) Mentorship and addressing the workforce crisis in printing

(10:07) Tackling unconscious bias and gender bias in the industry

(18:07) Future plans and inclusivity within Girls Who Print

(23:07) The printing industry's role in talent attraction and FESPA relationship

(26:07) Global expansion and member encouragement strategies

(29:01) Inclusivity and challenging industry norms

(33:30) Value of vocational training and education requirements

(38:03) Creating a positive work environment and membership goals

(41:07) Celebrating print industry pride and community

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Gee Ranasinha from Kexino explores the intersection of behavioral science and marketing, highlighting the role of emotions and being remarkable in consumer behavior. The discussion covers print's impact in marketing, Super Bowl ad insights, recruitment challenges, and senior-level distrust in marketing. Gee and Warren discuss Hatteras' strategies, industry challenges, and the importance of customer experience, modern equipment, and educating digital-native buyers. They also touch on strategic marketing, sales systems, and proactive action in the print industry, concluding with reflections and advice for print business owners.

(0:00) Introduction of guest Gee Ranissina and Kexino background

(1:14) Kexino's work and behavioral science in marketing

(5:55) The role of emotions and being remarkable in consumer behavior

(11:02) Print in marketing and Super Bowl ad effectiveness

(17:07) Recruitment issues and distrust in marketing at senior levels

(23:24) Marketing effectiveness and the Shark Tank analogy

(26:08) Hatteras' marketing strategies and challenges for printers

(31:00) Printers' marketing mindsets and industry website frustrations

(35:46) Customer experience, modern equipment, and digital-native buyers

(42:43) Customer education, trust, and industry comparisons

(47:25) Value of production staff interactions and strategic marketing

(52:46) Steps for effective marketing and importance of feedback

(56:12) Warren's experience with client surveys and pricing barriers

(1:00:28) Dynamics of customer relationships and sales incentives

(1:03:18) Sales systems issues and advice for print business owners

(1:05:24) Finding trusted advisors and the need for strategic planning

(1:07:18) Encouraging proactive action in the print industry

(1:08:26) Warren's closing thoughts and Gee's final words

(1:09:40) Episode wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Jeroen from Jubels shares their transition from traditional letterpress to digital printing, focusing on specialty binding and papers. Discover marketing strategies, margin nuances, and a high-end custom book project that highlights the luxury print market. Explore the challenges of print buying groups, the value of personal customer interactions, and sustainability practices. Jeroen also discusses the skilled worker shortage, graphic arts education evolution, FSC certification costs, and current print embellishments. The episode wraps up with reflections on passion in print and audience engagement.

(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome

(1:02) History and evolution of Jubels

(3:48) Specialization and techniques in book printing

(5:55) Strategies for customer acquisition and retention

(7:19) Focus on high-value and luxury print products

(13:20) Digital printing advancements and impact

(17:58) Monetizing expertise in the print industry

(26:54) Enhancing customer experience through staff interaction

(29:23) Sustainability practices in printing

(31:37) Analyzing the FSC certification impact

(37:46) The significance of embellishments in print

(41:14) Assessing new printing technology investments

(45:09) Addressing the skilled labor gap in printing

(46:48) Diversity and inclusion in the print workforce

(47:53) Attracting the next generation to printing careers

(49:48) The decline and future of print education

(50:32) The enduring importance of print media

(52:06) Final insights and advice

(52:44) The importance of investing in expertise

(53:13) Encouraging passion within the print industry

(53:32) Call to action for audience engagement

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Bill Duerr from Hatteras Printing shares insights into the company's rich history and commitment to customer satisfaction. The conversation delves into the quality standards and technological investments that set Hatteras apart. Bill discusses the challenges of recruiting skilled human labor and the strategies employed to attract both clients and employees. The episode explores innovations in business cards, sustainability efforts, and boosting employee morale. Bill highlights the influence of leadership and emerging industry trends, including AI's role in sales and marketing. The discussion rounds off with tips on maintaining professional relevance and concludes with acknowledgments and book promotion.

(0:10) Introduction of guest Bill Doer of Hatteras Printing

(0:40) Hatteras Printing's history, growth, and customer satisfaction

(3:08) Quality standards and technology investments in printing

(7:02) Challenges and strategies in human labor and recruitment

(8:54) Marketing's role in client and employee attraction

(11:44) Business card innovation, sustainability, and employee morale

(20:37) Recruitment and retention strategies for skilled employees

(27:14) Leadership's impact and current industry trends

(30:26) Adoption and impact of AI on the printing industry

(34:29) AI's practical applications in sales, marketing, and employee engagement

(37:39) Keeping professional profiles updated and staying relevant

(38:15) Closing remarks and book promotion

(39:24) Acknowledgments and final thanks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Dorinda Gibbons from Profile Recruitment sheds light on the intricacies of recruitment in the print and packaging sectors. The discussion navigates the impact of COVID-19 on job market trends, recruitment challenges, and the strategic benefits of using recruiters. Dorinda emphasizes the importance of communication, testing, and retention in recruitment processes, and provides a cost-benefit analysis of recruitment services. The episode also covers hiring Gen Z, diversity trends, and the demand for salespeople, alongside insights into effective onboarding and hiring practices. Dorinda offers advice on recruitment strategies, company culture, and the significance of in-house training.

(0:00) Introduction of Dorinda Gibbons and Fauxfire Recruitment

(0:30) Dorinda Gibbons' background and recruitment in print and packaging

(1:23) Impact of COVID-19 on recruitment and job market trends

(3:08) Challenges and strategies in recruiting for the print industry

(5:30) Attitudes towards hiring and benefits of using a recruiter

(9:34) Communication, testing, and retention in recruitment

(11:20) Cost-benefit analysis of recruitment services

(13:27) Recruitment costs and models discussion

(18:02) Print industry reputation and recruitment approaches

(19:27) Recruitment differences among company sizes

(20:04) Hiring Gen Z and diversity trends in print recruitment

(24:30) Demand for salespeople and the importance of client relationships

(30:56) Onboarding significance and tips for job seekers

(36:33) Employer hiring advice and successful recruitment stories

(39:40) Timeframes and offerings in the hiring process

(41:56) Company values, culture, and recruitment marketing

(46:12) Recruitment strategy planning and future business considerations

(48:12) Retaining staff and benefits of in-house training

(49:21) Closing thoughts and final remarks

(50:04) Call to action and promotion of YouTube channel

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Joanne Gore shares her passion for print and delves into the challenges of marketing within the industry, particularly in the post-COVID landscape. The discussion covers LinkedIn profile optimization and etiquette for virtual meetings, highlighting the shift towards online buying and networking. The conversation explores LinkedIn strategies alongside the applications of ChatGPT for enhancing sales, automating tasks, and improving communication. The episode also touches on AI's evolving role in business relationships, photography, and content creation. Joanne offers final advice on leveraging AI tools effectively while promoting the enduring relevance of the print industry.

(0:00) Introduction of Joanne Gore and her passion for print

(2:22) Challenges in print industry marketing and post-COVID changes

(5:28) LinkedIn profiles and Zoom meeting etiquette

(10:21) Marketing focus on equipment and understanding customer needs

(20:21) Shift to online buying and LinkedIn networking

(25:14) Discussion on LinkedIn strategies and ChatGPT applications

(30:19) ChatGPT for sales, procrastination, and enhancing emails

(37:15) ChatGPT's role in sales and automating office tasks

(45:17) Maintaining sales principles and simplifying tasks with AI

(47:44) AI tools in business relationships and cautionary advice

(49:35) Evolution of AI and promoting authors' books

(51:38) AI impact on photography and industry adaptation

(54:19) ChatGPT for sales productivity and content accuracy

(59:11) AI assistance with RFPs, contracts, and summarization

(1:02:43) Final advice and promoting the print industry

(1:04:09) Closing comments and future topic invitation

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Mitch Joel joins the discussion to delve into the evolving role of print within the modern marketing mix and his own journey from print to digital. The conversation explores the balance between digital and print media, trends in production costs, and digitalization's impact. Mitch shares insights on the collectibility of print media and the use of AI in productivity. The episode also covers sustainable practices, the commoditization of print packaging, and the influence of long-running podcasts on skill development. Reflecting on COVID-19's impact, the discussion touches on optimism in technology, bridging generational gaps, and the changing dynamics of work. For more information on how you can access personalized and bite-sized thought, visit www.thinkersone.com.

(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest Mitch Joel

(3:10) Print's role in the modern marketing mix and Mitch Joel's transition from print to digital

(4:40) The balance between digital and print media

(6:30) Trends in print production costs and the impact of digitalization

(11:25) Collectibility and value in print media

(14:01) Use of AI in note-taking and productivity

(17:32) Evolution and adaptation in the print industry

(20:02) Commoditization in print packaging and production

(24:06) Embracing sustainable practices in print and digital

(25:13) The value of long-running business podcasts and engaging conversations

(28:24) Skill development through podcasting and journalism

(30:15) Authenticity and expertise in podcasting

(34:14) Reflecting on COVID-19's impact on work-life balance

(35:39) Optimism and cynicism in technology and business

(37:13) Comparing today's opportunities with past eras

(38:24) Sharing personal growth and experiences

(40:03) Evolution of business models in traditional industries

(45:17) The oversaturation of content and the rise of long-form content

(48:07) The power of influencer marketing and micro-influencers

(50:03) Bridging the generational gap in the print industry

(52:05) Embracing digital transformation in traditional industries

(54:18) The impact of middlemen in the printing industry

(57:08) Changing work dynamics and the role of AI

(1:00:48) Building and maintaining a personal brand

(1:01:44) Sponsor: Thinkers One