Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain

When budgets get tight, among the first expense areas to be scrutinized are the lines for advertising/marketing, and staff training and education – lines associated with business development. Investments for the long-term become compromised for the present.

These efforts unquestionably save the company needed dollars when cash is in relatively short supply. But the long-term impact on the business and the cumulative impact on morale, can be significant.

To illustrate the power of marketing, William Wrigley once was asked why he continued to advertise when seemingly everyone knew about his chewing gum empire. He replied, “For the same reason a train doesn’t disconnect the engine from the rest of its cars.” Momentum is critical for any businesses to succeed.

As for education and training, it is well known that the best companies attribute their success to their people. They say that their people are the most valued asset. These same companies are the ones that invest the most in their people, not just in compensation but also in education and training. Their retention rates are astonishingly higher than their competition.

For vendors and reprographers alike, annual membership in the IRgA is a long-term commitment, and so is attending the IRgA Annual Convention & Trade Show every year. Just like exercise, once you get into a routine, you can’t imagine not doing it.

Where else can you…

• See all of your suppliers or customers in one place?
• Network with others in a non-competitive environment?
• Learn what others are doing to weather these difficult times?
• Train your employees and reward them at the same time?

Regardless of your experience, everyone needs to commit to lifelong learning. Our industry changes too fast to rest on any laurels. Owners need to rejuvenate themselves on a regular basis just like everyone else. So invest in yourself! Because the convention is being held is such an affordable location, now is the year to include your employees in the experience. Not only is the education top notch, you can show your best employees that reprographics is a career, not just a job. This is a prime opportunity to develop a motivated, engaged employee – one that is more likely to stay with your company for the long term.

Registration is now open for the IRgA Annual Convention & Trade Show. Go to www.IRgA.com today and register yourself and your key people.