Print Buying #UKvUSA episode 6: Social Media for Business Growth
There’s no single way to approach social media successfully The sparks fly in this discussion between myself Matthew Parker and Deborah Corn. In this episode Deborah and I give some very different views on: Should you be on social media ? The best way to cultivate a social media community What size should your community be? How much time should you spend on social media? Automation: good or bad? What sort of content should you share? Do you need to carry out measuring, planning and testing? Should you become a thought leader? This episode was recorded pre-Corona and super-relevant now! Social media automation tools mentioned…
Print Buying #UKvUSA episode 5: Managing extra charges
Why does the printing industry give away so much for free? And how can we change this situation? In this episode Deborah Corn and I discuss: Should you charge for fixing files? How do have the extra cost conversation? Whom should it apply to? Why does our industry focus on lowest price? Do customers always want lowest price? How one printing company cut their prices without being asked… By the way, Deborah and I both agree that the printing industry can and should charge more… That’s why you should listen to this podcast! When do you make extra charges? Do…
New print opportunities after coronavirus. Case study 2
Social distancing guidance will be in place for a long time Businesses HAVE to put in the right measures. What’s the best way to achieve this? With print of course! What sectors does this apply to? Retail businesses Offices Transport This will also apply to leisure and events and restaurants in the future What products can be sold? Floor graphics Window graphics Signage Leaflets Hand sanitiser stands (just like a point of sale stand) Sneeze guard barriers Desk barriers Branded protective workwear Here’s why this opportunity is so big Print company FD Signs went from being a business that had…
Print Buying #UKvUSA episode 4: Education vs. Salesucation
Without educating our audience, print slowly dies… But whom should we educate and who should do the educating? In this podcast, Deborah Corn and I discuss: How do we educate our most profitable potential customers Is it time to stop connecting with the brands? The difference between education and sales (is there one?) Education vs Inspiration How have printing companies inspired us in the past The BIG failure of the printing industry over the past few years Action points every printing company should carry out right now (33m40) Please add your thoughts on the best ways for the printing industry…
New print opportunities after coronavirus. Case study 1
Let’s be positive: coronavirus has changed many businesses forever We are used to hearing about all the business suffering as a result of the current pandemic. But we should also remember that many businesses have re-invented themselves and are thriving. And this has created opportunities for print. Today I want to look at one thriving sector. The home delivery sector is a fantastic opportunity for print Many bars, shops and restaurants have had to rapidly adapt and offer home delivery and collection services. Many of these businesses see this as a permanent part of their strategy going forward. People are…
UKvUSA special: what’s next for the printing industry as lockdowns ease
Deborah Corn and Matthew Parker strategic communication and sales planning for printers as they restart their relationships with customers, and seek new ones, as COVID19 recovery begins. Please add your thoughts in the comments sections below. Links Mentioned in this episode: Matthew Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profitableprintrelationships/ Deborah Corn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahcorn/ Print Media Centr: https://printmediacentr.com PS If you liked what I had to say, make sure you sign up below for regular updates from me Download your free copy of “10 Social Media Rules For Print Sales People” (worth £19/$29) right now * indicates required First Name * Last Name * Email Address *…
What to do when prospects say no
It’s time to embrace no! Sales people hate the dreaded word “no” when they are talking to prospects and customers. It means that their sales efforts have been wasted. They have put in a lot of hard work trying to win new business, only to be rejected. However, some sales people see no as an opportunity. They are not put off when someone appears to reject them. These sales people prefer to see no as a stage on the sales journey which needs to be worked through. They are often able to form strong relationships with their prospects despite the…
Nine ideas for selling print during the coronavirus pandemic
Business is tough for everyone right now Many owners of printing companies have told me that business has fallen off a cliff. The events sector has no requirements. Most supermarkets are prioritising food deliveries over point of sale. Some magazines have moved temporarily to digital. These are just a few of the hits that the printing industry is taking right now. But there is also good news Several printing companies have reported good orders from new customers who are turning to print to market their businesses. Businesses are still trying to trade as much as possible: print can help them….
UKvUSA special: Survival After The Corona Crisis
How can our industry survive during and after the coronavirus crisis? Deborah Corn and Matthew Parker discuss how printing companies are managing the current situation and what opportunities might exist in the coming weeks and months. Please add your thoughts in the comments sections below. Links Mentioned in this episode: Matthew Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profitableprintrelationships/ Deborah Corn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahcorn/ Print Media Centr: https://printmediacentr.com PS If you liked what I had to say, make sure you sign up below for regular updates from me Get your free copy of “10 Common Print Selling Errors And What To Do About Them’ (worth £19/$29) right now…
Coronavirus: how printers are helping the world
I have seen a wonderful side to society at this time Three weeks ago I asked my newsletter circle to share what you were doing to help people during Coronavirus. Many of them came back to me with some marvellous responses. What so many of you in the printing industry are doing to help your communities is heart-warming. Here are some of the ways printers are helping “I wanted to let you know, that even in the darkest times, we have a community that is strong. Our school systems are providing pick up lunches each day for students that need…