How to Lead Like a Professional

The role of a businessman in society, especially the role of a digital printing provider, has changed a lot over the years. Sure, digital printing entrepreneurs are still concerned with the basics of numbers and the calculator is always a good friend to have. But aside from profits and income, businessmen today are beginning to focus more on values- values that help in creating a better world for all of us to live in.

For instance, one digital printing company is now providing services that cater to demands that are provided on a need basis. When before people are hesitant to use printing outfits because of the high costs it entails and the large amount of requirements before one could avail of their services; nowadays, individual customers are more than welcome to enjoy the benefits of digital technology. With the advent of technological advancements in digital printing, companies like Color Printing Wholesale now provide rush printing services that provides output when you need it and according to the amount you specify. No more worries that printers cannot accommodate small job orders.

Thus, printers today are more appreciated rather than criticized for considering personal values and beliefs, along with the marketing and efficient business practices. As society begins to regard digital printing outfits on personal terms rather than as business entities, printers have become concerned with combining traditional and sensible business practices with efficient and more customer-friendly environment.

So aside from traditional business practices and techniques, how does one lead like a professional in the world of digital printing?

As a person well-versed with the services provided in digital printing, I believe in two credos in which to develop a more human version of the printing industry.

1. Convey Credibility.

Customers and client want one thing and one thing only- REASSURANCE. They need reassurance that what we say and promise is legitimate. It doesn't have to be flowery or full of guarantees to melt even the most hardened hearts. We need to reassure them that what we offer is legitimate. Because credibility is crucial to the success of our business, convincing clients that we can deliver on target and on time is key to everything.

Because of the onset of advertising and marketing in the wide world of the Internet, many sad stories come and go. In all likelihood, we might never come face to face with clients or business contacts especially when we deal with designers, graphic artists, developers, web masters, and such. Thus, conveying credibility through the Internet is even more of a challenge. Convincing people of our integrity from a distance definitely presents a more formidable task. But by giving clients and site visitors the facts, we definitely can overcome this hurdle. Straight and unadulterated facts.

Let's make it our goal focused on helping our clients reach their own goals. We can only do this when we have gained our clients trust. To be chosen for their next project, we have to find a way to prove ourselves. After all, the more credible we are, the more likely our prospective clients will contact us.

2. Eliminate the phrase, "Sorry, that's our policy."

It is really a huge turn-off for me when I ask for something and a company representative would tell me that it cannot be done because it's "Company Policy". "Sorry, that's our policy" is such a great letdown. I will definitely not come back to that company again even if they are the last firm standing and tomorrow is the end of the world.

Come on. We are literally in an industry where imagination is a must to get the edge. Such statement comes off as very stiff and not very creative. We are operating on services that create art and designs that rely a great deal on our creative juices, and you have the audacity to tell me that you cannot do something because it's policy?

And the worst part of it is, when clients feel the same frustration I had, most probably that ten people and friends will hear about it. Definitely a no-no when it comes to building a good reputation.

Change is the only thing constant in this world. Things and even people do change. Thus, it is of utmost importance that we realize at the start that our clients' needs and wants will definitely change. Resistance to deviate from regular procedures and to what are considered normal will definitely reveal a preference for our needs over theirs.

Even if it costs us a little time and money, we need to see the bigger picture and make room for changes. We have to make the effort to meet our clients' needs. If it is not too unreasonable just be friendly enough and mention that we are just happy to make an exception in this one instance. Bending a little will go a long way in forming a lasting relationship. And remember, ten people and friends will surely hear about it.

Wouldn't it be great to hear words like, "You have provided the most complete, professional, responsive and courteous service I've ever had. You're genuinely a pleasure to do business with." Considering that you are providing a service that is otherwise known for its indifference and sometimes more concerned with the ROIs, it is a plus to meet someone that caters not only to the numbers but also to the human aspect of service.

But if we want to be able to continue in this industry, a little more support and the ability to broaden our field on the way we respond to our clients' needs will definitely go a long way for our profits and ROIs.