 PIA's First Quarter Print Market Update will be published next week. Most of the findings point to healthy print markets!
Some highlights are that according to the U.S. Census Bureau print shipments have increased by 3.3 percent on a year-to-year basis despite a slight decline in the overall economy.
The rate of capacity utilization by printers' edged up 0.7 percent to 73.5 percent. Printing prices are flat along with paper manufacturing prices and average hourly earnings. |
|
 Industry Fights New SEC Paperless Rule
The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) is back at its paperless drive, this time with the proposed Investment Company Reporting Modernization Rule. The proposal would eliminate the requirement for mutual funds to transmit information to investors in paper form, calling for moving to e-communications and forcing investors to opt-in to paper distribution.
PIA and its coalition (Consumers for Paper Options) is developing comments calling for maintaining paper versions of fund information and proposing an opt-out as the default format. Any investor or company can comment at www.regulations.gov. The comment deadline is August 11.
|
 Sales More Art Than Science Says Leslie Groene
Industry guru Leslie Groene argues that sales is much more of an art than science so you should hone your art. She offers the following tips.
1. You can sell only if you yourself are convinced: If you are not sold on your product or service, it will be an uphill battle to sell someone else. Your lack of conviction will scream through.
2. Be clear and direct: When pitching your idea or solution, don't use complicated words. Pride yourself instead on being able to explain the product or solution as quickly, clearly and simply as possible.
3. Know your client: Make sure to research your potential clients, know their challenges and their needs. One size hardly ever fits all, and you look much stronger if you care about their business enough to invest in the research.
4. It's all about the presentation: Building an amazing slide deck is critical to the sales process. Practice it, memorize it and be prepared to shift your emphasis based on how the energy changes when you give the presentation. Ask yourself: "Is the flow of this deck right? Will it convince?"
5. Be passionate and exciting: Most presentations are BORING! So create a show and make it exciting. Excitement is contagious - just like a yawn.
6. If you don't know the answer, don't guess: People will ask you tough questions, and you may not always know the answers. The person asking you may be testing you, knowing the answer full well. And if you fumble, it's very hard to rebuild credibility.
7. Answer questions directly and clearly: If you are asked a question and you give a "politician's answer" - in other words, if you don't answer the question - your credibility will decline and you will hurt your chances of making the sale.
8. You can always do better. The process is never perfect and you can always improve your game.
WSPA is developing an exciting training program with Leslie where she will mentor and advise your sales force over a three month period and provide all of them with access to her training courses on PIA's Integrated Learning Center. If you would like sign up for this program, contact Julie Shaffer at 1-800-910-4283 (ext. 730) or jshaffer@printing.org.
|
Adult Coloring Books All The Rage
Adult coloring books are at the top of Amazon's best seller list, and their popularity is attributed to 'anti-stress' benefits and nostalgia.
These coloring books include titles such as Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns and Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book.
Marvel recently launched a new line of adult coloring books which kicked off with Age of Ultron, Civil War & Little Marvel! Marvel's inspiring press release encourages us to "dig out those crayons, markers and colored pencils and prepare to return the color to the Marvel Universe, True Believer. But don't forget your imagination - you're going to need it! Channel your creative energies, unwind after a hard day's work, or just relive your childhood memories!"
Source: Two Sides
|
"Reasonable Accommodation"
Providing reasonable accommodations to workers with disabilities is the law under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It's also the right thing to do if you want to attract and retain a team of loyal workers. To help candidates and employees with disabilities, follow these guidelines:
- Go beyond the bare minimum. Don't take an attitude that implies, "we'll do one or two things to accommodate a disability, but then you're on your own." You may need to devote time or training to helping a worker with disabilities master special equipment, for example, but it will pay off in the long run in loyalty and commitment. You're not required to work miracles, but provide as much in the way of accommodations as you can.
-
Keep trying. Accommodating an employee may be more of an ongoing process than a one-time event. If one piece of equipment doesn't work, for instance, keep looking for one that does. Ask the employee for suggestions to show that you're interested in working together.
- Keep a record of your efforts. Document your attempts at accommodation. If worse comes to worst, you'll need some data to prove that you did everything you could to accommodate the worker.
|
 When In Doubt, Take A Chance You've met a new account, but they're a start up and there's only limited credit information about them. You've a better chance of building a relationship with them if you can sell them on open account, but you're not sure. If the amount in question will not destroy your business if it is not paid, the best bet is to extend credit. Then, bill promptly and follow up by asking for a check when it's due. Remember that a typical print job is about 60 percent wages and materials and the rest contribution to overhead. As a result, you could lose one out of three of these open account bets and still not be out of pocket. Of course you should get full information about the buyer (a credit application) and a personal guarantee as well, but remember that suing for a small amount is a thankless waste of time. |
 Denver Golf Outing Just Six Weeks Out! The Denver golf outing is just eight weeks away - what are you waiting for? It will be held Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club.Described by Golf Digest, as "one of the best places to play in Colorado," the Arthur Hills designed course is a links-style 18-hole championship course that makes use of dramatic elevation changes, native areas, panoramic views and wide, accommodating fairways to appeal to players of all levels. Tickets are only $125 and include greens fee, golf cart and lunch. Foursomes and individual tickets will sell out fast so be sure to sign up ASAP. Don't golf? Join us for lunch for just $25. Interested in sponsoring the tournament? Contact Golf Committee Chair Sandi Neuman of Vision Graphics at 303-909-7410 or sandi.neuman@visiongraphics-inc.com.
|
 Phoenix Golf! WSPA's Phoenix Golf Tournament will return with a vengeance on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the stunning Arizona Grand Golf Resort.
Join colleagues and friendly competitors from the industry for a day of fun on the links followed by the Par-Tee on the Green, where bragging rights will be on display and awards presented.
Tickets are only $99 and include greens fee, golf cart, lunch and two drink tickets. Foursomes and individual tickets will sell out fast so be sure to register as soon as possible!
Want to stay at The Grand Resort? Take advantage of special WSPA rates by clicking HERE.
REGISTER HERE FOR GOLF
Sponsorship OpportunitiesInterested in sponsoring the tournament? There are numerous opportunities still available including individual hole sponsorships - many helping to support future GCEF Scholarships. Title Sponsorship ($5,000) - Have your company's name on all marketing pieces for the event with exclusive sponsorship rights "Partee on the Green presented by..." - 2 complimentary foursomes
- 2 minutes to present at event
- Company name on golf shirts
- One hole sponsorship
Platinum Sponsorship ($3,000) - 2 complimentary foursomes
- Signage, choice of (pick which item you want your name on) gall balls, golf towels, water bottles
- One hole sponsorship
Gold Sponsorship ($1,500) - 1 complimentary foursome
- Hole sponsorship (pick one of the contest holes) Men's long drive, Women's long drive, Men's Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt
Silver Sponsorship ($1,000) - 1 complimentary foursome
- One hole sponsorship
- Combined lunch sponsorship
Hole Sponsorship - Signage at either the tee box or the green
All sponsorships include signage at the event plus recognition in program and on website. Email current HIGH RES LOGO in jpg, eps or vector format. In-kind raffle prize donations are also welcome.
For details contact tournament chairman Gary Matchinsky at 480-829-8890 or garym@bctarizona.com |
 Registration, Housing for Graph Expo Open Are you going this year? Special rate pricing for Graph Expo hotels is in effect until August 15. This year the show and conference run from September 13-15 at Chicago's McCormick Center. Another benefit for GRAPH EXPO 15 is that no deposit is charged at time of booking. A credit card is required to guarantee all room reservations and the hotel will charge a deposit 2-4 weeks prior to arrival. Attendees receive the lowest rates, most ranging from $174/night to $239/night, at the most popular and convenient hotels in downtown Chicago. In addition to the specially negotiated rates, attendees who book their rooms through the official GRAPH EXPO housing service enjoy other benefits including complimentary shuttle bus service between the show hotels and McCormick place. And don't forget, as a member of WSPA you can attend the show for FREE. For more information CLICK HERE |
Weekly Photo Feature:
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Each week E-Connects will share incredible photos on just how lax individuals can be when it comes to safety.
The goal - to keep a safe work environment front and center on the minds of all of your employees.
All kind of dumb!
If you come across a funny safety pic you think should be featured, email Michael Makin at mmakin@wsprint.org.
|
 Technical Hotline
Don't forget that as a member of Western States Printing Alliance (WSPA) you have free access to the Technical Hotline of Printing Industries of America.
The hotline fields more than 1,500 calls a year from members seeking assistance. We are just a phone call away at 1-800-910-4283!
The hotline can also be used for your questions relating to HR or EHS issues.
|
|
Quote For The Week
"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world."
Joel A. Barker
|
|
|
|
|
