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For Print Marketers, The No-Nonsense Path from the Pandemic is Expert Assistance

Most people—and perhaps marketers most of all—want to be trendy and to sound important. In fact, marketers seem to perpetually be reaching for language that sets their product apart. This effort is perpetual because the effect is temporary—other marketers quickly adopt the new jargon, lest they be perceived as falling behind. A recent New York Times […]
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Don’t Let Supply Chain Problems Hinder Print Marketing

As we begin to enter the economic recovery stage of the pandemic, managing your print marketing supply chain effectively will be critical for reengaging with customers and acquiring new ones. While some businesses and organizations found niches in marketing pandemic-related products or services in the past year, others necessarily scaled back on print marketing to […]
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Extraordinary times call for extraordinary effort

Six months into the pandemic, with so many economic and social factors still beyond business control, it’s not unreasonable for print service providers, brokers, buyers, and marketers to feel frustrated and stymied. Sure, there are things you can do while in a holding pattern—for example, strengthen your customer relationships, update marketing plans, review branding, and […]
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As a Print Buyer, what’s your LIMFAC (limiting factor)?

What holds you back as a print buyer? When the military makes plans, they consider what could hinder success. It’s referred to as the LIMFAC, or the limiting factor—the one big element or condition in a situation that you have to overcome in order to succeed. We all run into limiting factors when we try […]
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What the Print Industry Can Learn From The Last Dance

The late and great Chicago Bulls GM Jerry Krause once said, “Players and coaches don’t win championships, organizations do…” This statement sent shock waves throughout the sports community and raises conversation today with the release of the “The Last Dance.” A documentary highlighting the legendary run of the Chicago Bulls in the ’90s. I would […]
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Increase your marketing —but first, refocus it

While many businesses are contracting during the COVID-19 economic downturn, this could be a good time to step up your marketing.  It’s an opportunity to reach people with your message when there’s less “noise” from a variety of competing messages. In addition, while people are spending more time at home, your direct mail package may […]
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Buyer and Printer Communication: Wandering or Guided?

Consider for a moment these two approaches to the same conversation. Wandering Conversation: John: Hey Sean, let’s get together for drinks after work Sean: Great! John: How about the Pub Sean: Great! John: How about 7? Sean: Sounds great? John: Do you want to meet up or drive together? Sean: Let’s meet Guided Conversation: John: […]
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Brand Consistency: Print Buyers are the backstop

In the world of sales and marketing, it’s hard to overstate the importance of brand consistency. The brand is the company’s face and voice, and an enormous amount of effort and money goes into building a brand and maintaining its consistency. A consistent, well-managed brand may be worth up to 20% more than a competitor’s […]
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