Integrated Communications & Print Services. Erich D. Moor @ 847.687.7287

What is Ideavirus?

2011-12-29T21:33:00.000-08:00

Ideavirus is the art of successful
communication. Seth Godin's “Unleashing the Ideavirus” is a book of powerful and practical advice for
businesses.

The Customer, not the marketer is in control.

Enjoy. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/files/2000Ideavirus.pdf

Best,

Erich D. Moor
http://twitter.com/erichmoor

Walking in Chicago

2011-11-15T04:23:00.000-08:00

The retro '80's is when I began my sales and marketing career in Chicago. I did a lot of walking around town back then. This video of the city has a unique feel to it. Please check it out -

http://devour.com/video/tiny-chicago/

Best;

Erich D. Moor
http://twitter.com/erichmoor

Steve Jobs explains himself.

2011-11-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

Steve Jobs explains himself. You need a lot of passion for what you're doing because its so hard. Without passion, any rational person would give up. http://bit.ly/ixsSe0

Erich Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

In the late '80's Apple was a client of mine.

2011-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

In the late '80's Apple was a client of mine for printing services. I worked with their Rosemont, IL office outside Chicago. This is a great graphic of Steve Jobs and Apple!!! http://bit.ly/ph6Pwt

Best,

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Compare the features of a rock to an iPad.

2011-09-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Comparing the iPad, Kindle and a ten thousand year old Rock.

The results are in. http://bit.ly/dhO2Nx

Best,

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

20 Creative and Interesting Product Package Designs.

2011-09-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

When searching for a product, we can be influenced to buy it based on the customized packaging we see. This collection is a showcase of how designers can utilize ink, paper and board to improve package design.

http://bit.ly/p9ZJEW

Best,

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Where can you add value?

2011-08-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

How can you increase real value to your customers and grow sustainable revenue?

http://bitURL.net/bzv3

Best,

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

My thoughts for today.

2011-08-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

"Despite the high cost of living, it is still quite popular".

Best,

Erich Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Great design. An original for less.

2011-08-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

It's great in the summer to drive a convertible. Even better if it's a classic design like the Porsche 550. Don't feel like dropping the dough on a verified original? The RetroMade Spyder ($TBA) should offer a happy medium. http://uncrate.com/stuff/retromade-spyder/

Best,

Erich Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

2011-07-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

So, you take photo's on your trusty iPhone. You got great pics of the family, vacations, scenic sites, etc. Wouldn't it be nice to print a high end coffee table book of your photo's? Easy, here's how:

http://bit.ly/pmD1Rf

Best,

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor
print and marketing services

I.D., one of the great industrial design mags around...

2011-07-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

For anyone who lamented the passing of I.D., one of the great industrial design magazines of our time, you might be heartened to know that it's back. Sort of. When F+W Media (also owners of Print and HOW magazines) nixed the printed publication two years ago there was such an outcry of shock.

Read more: I.D. Magazine Re-launches as Online Design Showcase — Imprint-The Online Community for Graphic Designers - http://bit.ly/iZksHg

Best,

Erich Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

35 Print Examples of Branding Design

2011-06-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Brand is more than a new logo or style guide. Take a look at these examples and get inspired!

http://bit.ly/i2pYm3

Erich
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

34 Examples Of Vodka Bottle Designs.

2011-05-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Vodka brands invest major dollars in the design process of bottles they place in the market place. It also requires talent to expertly manage and print excellent quality for the brands Point of Sale, Shelf Talkers, Displays, Labels, etc. Here are 34 designs.

http://bit.ly/ijZYjJ

Best,

Erich D. Moor

www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Do I have your attention?

2011-04-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I do since you are reading this (BTW, thx!) That means I must keep your ATTENTION. Brands compete heavily for this in the mail and at the retail level when utilizing print marketing.

How Brands capture your attention with a printed point of sale piece can result in growing revenue or remaining flat. What happens when a consumer sees Point of Sale pieces with rich, eye-popping color graphics? They tend to remember, buy or are simply not interested.

Mediocre graphics are the last thing a B2C or CPG wants to display. How do Brands create a greater upside opportunity to make a prospective customer purchase something and develop loyalty? It results from the initial emotion they feel when visually engaged by the spectrum of beautiful color and copy in print form. When it engages, it can generate sales.

Top brands must seriously ask, "are we STANDING OUT and differentiating ourselves with our print marketing channels? Are we capturing attention with innovative, engaging print?"

Not in the Brands budget? Try contacting a print expert that already produces and/or manages brand campaigns. Crunch those numbers for your budget. Make it happen for the Brand's future in 2011 and beyond.

Best,

Erich D. Moor

www.twitter.com/erichmoor

erich.moor@moor-media.com

Wanna share?

2011-03-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Most times, Customers and Suppliers will freely share key business information when it clearly provides mutual value.

Take it a step further and even Competitors can do this if guidelines are agreed to initially. Understanding the "unknown's" in business are critical to adapting and growing.

Too often, the busy daily challenges that faces Management on the Customer and Supplier side's are at odds with the time it takes to share key business info. This sharing time (ironically) could reduce Management's day to day burdens by facilitating better communications and thus improved productivity - earnings.

So, why not ask your Suppliers or Customers what primary challenges face them in the 2nd or 3rd quarter's? Get specific and gain insight by understanding their challenges. So, go ahead and ask "wanna share"? You may reduce cost's or drive new revenue by just asking.

Best,

Erich D. Moor
erich.moor@moor-media.com
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Are you auditing your Suppliers like Apple?

2011-02-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

Does your company have a Supplier code of conduct and openly publishing the results?

Check out how Apple is auditing Suppliers and the benefits of this: http://zd.net/hj3K9D

This is incredible - data visualization at it's finest!

2011-01-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

Check this out! Data visualization: www.goo.gl/Aat8Y

Hans Rosling's famous lectures combine enormous quantities of public data with a sport's commentator's style to reveal the story of the world in 200 countries over 200 years using 120,000 numbers - in just four minutes. Plotting life expectancy against income for every country since 1810, Hans shows how the world we live in is radically different from the world most of us imagine.

What's your style?

2010-12-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

This is a re-posting of a blog I did last year. Enjoy.

There is a clear distinction between purpose and style in business. So, why should we understand the value of style related to business communications? Displaying style with substance improves relationships thus getting peoples attention. When folks listen, they learn.

Purpose is the WHAT.

Style is the HOW.

I'm always interested in the simple, clear mission of an interesting business. The purpose of an innovative company was usually created to directly address real problems that require it's unique services. This is the what.

How they go about delivering results with a distinct style requires direction from the leadership. This means that the company brand and all associate's travel the same runway. Speaking the language that the client understands. Growing the business by developing a real dialogue with these clients. Getting feedback and forming services to align with their needs. Then using your unique style in a way that makes clients enjoy doing business with you. This is the how.

Many newer, small internet based businesses develop customer loyalty based on their unique style. Larger brands like Toms.com, Zappos and Netflix have gained incredible buzz and profits due to stylish performance.
Existing clients know and trust you. How can you develop new business relationships?

It may be challenging to get open feedback from prospective clients since they don't know you. So, you must build trust on a daily basis in small things and large. However, they must like your communication style or it will fall on deaf ears.

A good insightful question to ask an objective long time client (who will not fear your wrath) is this: "How do I come across (my style)?" Is your business style earning clients trust and creating mutual value?

Be yourself, yes. But do it with style please.

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Invest wisely in yourself.

2010-09-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

People invest in company's, stocks, funds, real estate and usually understand the risks involved.

However, what is the risk in not investing wisely in yourself? It could very well hurt you emotionally, physically or spiritually. Priority's must be maintained and reasonably balanced. One's workload cannot overtake family responsibilities and neither should recreation time take away from one's spiritual routine. Balance is crucial and must regularly be evaluated in order to be happy.

What areas of investing in oneself are wise? Taking care of yourself while caring for others makes us happier. Every emotionally stable person wants to have good relationships and enjoy life. Health, relationships, education, spirituality, work and finances must fit together well or there will be a lack of balance. No balance and we start to fall.

There is so much emphasis being made in the media on financial investment. It's amazing that some people really don't invest well in themselves. If done wisely, the return can be great.

Best,

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Keep it short and sweet.

2010-08-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

A blog about brevity requires a very focused writing approach. So, to capture my thoughts on this:

"Despite the high cost of living, it is still very popular."

Best,

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Know or die.

2010-07-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

If you own or manage a business, there are certain pain points that must be addressed.

You must fully understand these first and get your teams input also. Then raise the question, "how are we measuring these areas and what are the results?" If there are no qualifying metrics, these must be put in place. If you are not interested in setting up a measurement process, then you must live with the pain. But, who really wants that? If your dentist cannot fix your toothache after 3 visits, you must find another dentist.

For example when reducing costs (in workflow, labor, materials, overhead, etc.) and improving marketing ROI, does Management fully see all the indirect cost areas? Most times, no. I'm reminded of William Wrigley (the gum giant from Chicago) who once said decades ago: "I know half of my Advertising is wasted but I don't know which half."

Measurement. Today, with online metrics, spend tools and integrated marketing programs (online, print, social, etc.), there is no reason why Management cannot gain visibility into most cost's and ROI.

The days of not knowing are over. Know or die. It was popular years ago to say "grow or die". However, I think knowing trumps growing. If your knowledge is accurate and applied correctly, sustainable growth will happen. Pain will come and go. But knowing fully how to address pain points will help one mange the pain.

Why not reach out to a trusted supplier or consultant on how to measure and get better results? An outside, objective viewpoint will give you insight. We all need that.

Erich D. Moor
President
Moor Media services cost reduction services, integrated marketing, print, online media, consulting
www.moor-media.com

www.twitter.com/erichmoor
erich@printingrep.com

Is it worth your time each day?

2010-06-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

Most days people have a daily routine. They clearly communicate to family and key people. Take vitamins, exercise, work, make a to-do list, drop kids to school, etc.

It's worth doing these things because they matter to you and others. What about your business goals? For example: gain 5 more clients in 2010. How will maintaining a routine assist you in reaching your goal? Is it worth your time and effort to do this daily? If it is, then the goal must be connected to your day to day schedule.

The key lies in sticking to a routine that is interesting and flexible. You must enjoy it and the people you associate with. If the results are not meeting your goals, analyze your routine. Are you happy with your daily work lifestyle? If yes, why? If no, why not?

What will enable you to really ENJOY a daily routine linked to a specific business goal?

It must be sustainable and realistic (hard, not easy) to achieve. It must be enjoyable!

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Workfillment...huh?

2010-05-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Work is vital for being happy.

It can be fulfilling too. However for many people, their work is not providing the fulfillment they desire. So, it's value cheapens and it only becomes a pay check.

Let's be very real about this. The breadwinner must earn, in order to provide emotionally and physically for ones family or self. We have to work to survive.

So how can you be more fulfilled at work? Do what you are great at and do what you enjoy. Keep life as simple as possible while balancing daily priorities. Enjoy yourself along the way.

To be really fulfilled requires that one has the whole shuh bang goin' on internally and externally. Translation: your positive attitude, drive and happiness is the internal mode. Your communication skills, diligence and results (mutually agreed upon ahead of time) are the external things required for maintaining fulfillment.

Why not evaluate and ask yourself: "am I working at something I enjoy and am I great at it?"

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor
http://www.printingrep.com/

What's most valuable to you?

2010-04-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Time is money. Health is more important than wealth. Be kind to others because everyone's dealing with trials. Force a smile, you will feel better.

There are so many positive principles and truthful words out there. What is most valuable to you and why? Answers may include - happiness, family,spirituality, friends, freedom, health, etc.

But what about work? Working is valuable for your self worth.

You ever see a window washer working dozens of floors up on a tall building? He has an automated scaffold that takes him to each floor. His work is crucial to his family because it provides for them. It's important for him to make sure the windows are clean and be efficient in doing this. These are the results his employer wants.

At the end of his work day, whats more important than making sure each window is very clean?

Getting down from the tall building safely. Life is more important than anything. We must value our life and others lives by helping others to the extent we can. Safety and security first. Stay vertical and keep smiling!

All the best,

Erich D. Moor
http://twitter.com/erichmoor

Ah, happiness. Wr 4 art thou?

2010-03-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

There is so little time to do everything we really want in life.

I spend a lot of time with family and always striving for balance. Sometimes I get a few ideas and map out the business process, evaluate, revise, file it or start it up. Making lists and prioritizing daily is what I do. Taking action and connecting key people is fun too. I like to make things happen when there is mutually rewarding value.

We always need to ask ourselves: "am I really happy?" If we don't ask this, we miss out on enjoying life and contributing to others. Happiness is relative, since it may be based on ones emotional state and circumstances. But time moves forward and emotions can change.

Asking great questions about what, why and how is vital in order to gain understanding. Being in the "happy zone" is important so others feel the love. Here is a question. Do others view you as a happy person? Hopefully, yes. If not, make positive changes and ask for help from those who know you.

Knowing who you are and what makes you/others happy will in turn bring happiness to all. There it is.

Get happy!

Erich D. Moor
www.twitter.com/erichmoor

How can you improve Marketing profits by 5-20+%?

2010-02-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

Any significant spend in Marketing and Sales is something a SMB Owner is very interested in. They require a projected ROI and a way to measure it that is proven.

If the results are good then further investment in marketing will continue. If not, a back up strategy must be implemented fast. If personalized print marketing (direct mail) is used, how can you actually double, triple your Sales and track response?

Test a personalized web site URL's (pURL's) to engage your Customer and provide a coupon.

For example: www.ErichMoor.coupon/specialpricing gets them interested because their name is listed on a personal website (URL address).

If you track your Mailings response on-line, then you capture the real ROI for your print marketing. How? Use a simple web based dashboard. See ours below.

Try 500 for free and test it at http://purlem.com/erich and please let us know what you think.

Best regards,

Erich D. Moor
http://twitter.com/erichmoor
847.680.6360
erich@printingrep.com

www.printingrep.com

Who do you want to work with?

2010-01-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

I recently had an interesting email reply from a Manager at a very large potential Client. Sales over $2 Billion annually. I was referred to this Manager (in charge of print - marketing), who has been there for many years. The referral came from a Management contact I had there internally.

Being referred from within a potential client is a great way to establish trust. My value proposition was to reduce their print - packaging cost's by 15% or more. In general, most of the time we can provide this level of savings. Our website takes a minute to view how we do this. I doubt this Manager read or understood our site before he shot me back an email. Reviewing a web site goes a long way. I did my homework on-line and did thorough research before contacting them.

The Managers reply was "I can't help but wonder how you can do that without any knowledge of what we spend currently. I assume you believe we don't know how to purchase aggressively...and you do. If we become convinced that we have built a billion dollar+ business in spite of ourselves we will contact you."

Whew. I thought about the underlying attitude here and wanted to remain positive. I'm sure that this companies own sales team and Management also provide their customers a % range of savings.

I responded by thanking him, mentioning that Geico and Allstate also offer a 15% or more savings. Plus I stated that we have the experience in this area and can back it up - if we get an opportunity to get up to bat.

His reply was: "thanks for setting me straight on this, we will try and manage without you." Ouch.

So, the title of this Blog is "who do you want to work with?" Is this the type of person we really want to work with? What's the next step? Move on or rethink our strategy since he is the decision maker?

What are your thoughts?

Erich D. Moor
Moor Printing Services, Inc. sourcing & project management
http://www.printingrep.com

http://twitter.com/erichmoor

What is the ROI?

2009-12-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

Sales drives business. So, what ROI will you get for mailing a Catalog or Direct Mail piece? What ROI on listening and engaging in Social Media? What about the ROI on hiring a new Sales Associate?

The answer depends on your short and long terms goals while being able to measure the results. Do you have this set up? If yes, then proceed and stick to your plan. If no, why not do it? Sales has to be #1 on the list when it comes to SMB owners and large firms. Cost savings is very important but sales provides the forward drive confirming company goals. Capturing a healthy ROI should get everyone excited! That is what we all need to build confidence and momentum.

Achieving ROI is required in order to continue spending on any category of Sales. It takes the core product or service of the company right to the bottom line by reaffirming that the demand is there. It confirms the company's value.

Get excited and evaluate your ROI.

http://www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Moor Printing Services, Inc.

http://www.printedmaterials.com

Sourcing & Project Management: Print, Packaging, Promotional Products & Fulfillment services.
Chicago 847.680.6360
Erich@Printingrep.com

Why all the buzz?

2009-11-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

There is a general leaning toward using the latest buzz words when a business trend "selects" certain action verbage to act as it's new language tool.

These frequently repeated words sound new and yet familiar because of recent use by thought leaders. It provides a way to express something important. It's sort of like using a clever device that opens and locks things as you need. Executives can buzz around offering solutions for problems that are challenging the market place and listeners buy in to it. Why? It's got buzz.

Most of us do use buzz words. I use them on and off. I got tired of some because of hearing the same phrases way too may times. It's hard to distance yourself from it because it's really the lingo of the masses and they surround us like fly's (I can't resist...fly's do tend to buzz naturally, right?) Our intent in using power words are to inform and perform for our Clients.

Rather than just saying buzz words, we should understand what they mean for each Client. For instance, what does your "compelling value proposition" mean specifically to ABC company?

Does it mean to them what it means to you?

Erich D. Moor

http://www.twitter.com/erichmoor

Moor Printing Services, Inc.

http://www.printedmaterials.com

Sourcing & Project Management: Print, Packaging, Promotional Products & Fulfillment services.
Chicago 847.680.6360
Erich@Printingrep.com

What's your style?

2009-10-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

There is a clear distinction between purpose and style in business. So, why should we understand the value of style? There are many drab folks out there and displaying style with substance improves relationships thus getting peoples attention.

Purpose is the WHAT.

Style is the HOW.

I'm always interested in the simple, clear mission of an interesting business. The purpose of an innovative company was usually created to directly address real problems that require it's unique services. This is the what.

How they go about delivering results with a distinct style requires direction from the leadership. This means that the company brand and all associate's travel the same runway. Speaking the language that the client understands. Growing the business by developing a real dialogue with these clients. Getting feedback and forming services to align with their needs. Then using your unique style in a way that fits their real requirements. This is the how.

Existing clients know and trust you. How can you develop new business relationships?

Prospective clients are difficult to get feedback from if you are reaching out to them, since they don't know you. You need to establish trust and they must in turn like your style.

A good insightful question to ask an objective long time associate (who will not fear your wrath) is this: "How do I come across (my style)?" Is my business style earning clients trust and creating mutual value?"

Be yourself, yes. But do it with style please.

Erich D. Moor

http://twitter.com/Erich_D_Moor

Moor Printing Services, Inc.

http://www.printedmaterials.com

Sourcing & Project Management: Print, Packaging, Promotional Products & Fulfillment services.
Chicago 847.680.6360
Erich@Printingrep.com

Good logo, good wine?

2009-09-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

When I see a wine label with a really cool logo, I sometimes think it must be a good bottle of wine. Good logo - good vino.

However that's just my first impression. It's not necessarily accurate about how much I will enjoy the wine. Almost any red zin to me is very good. However, another type of red wine would almost certainly be less to my liking.

In the same way, what people perceive of us in person or over the phone is very important. But our real value to others must be proven. Referrals are powerful. But just because a person is referred to us and appears solid, does not mean that the "taste" or experience of working with them (Client or Supplier) will be rewarding.

It's like looking at the unique wine bottle logo on the label. What's it taste like?

Like wine tasting, you can test what a Supplier (or Client) is like by starting small. Don't buy the bottle till you try a glass. Test out a project or two. Be honest and open in communicating with each other. Understanding people and wine requires us to look beyond the logo.

Erich

Erich D. Moor http://twitter.com/Erich_D_Moor

Moor Printing Services, Inc. http://www.printedmaterials.com

Sourcing & Project Management: Print, Packaging, Promotional Products & Fulfillment services.
Chicago 847.680.6360
Erich@Printingrep.com

Are you tracking response on-line for your Direct Mail?

2009-08-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Let's start out by stating something positive in an increasingly downbeat "print is dead, dude" mindset. Yes, I want to focus on the good things happening now in the direct mail world.

There are SaaS (software as a service) apps for personalized, integrated mailings and co-mailing postage options for catalog marketer's out there. What are the intended results for your direct mail? What metrics will determine success or failure? Stick with these 2 key questions and you get real...real fast.

The USPS is closing hundreds of post offices. 28 Billion (yep, billion) pieces of mail is the short fall for 2009. Whoa, wait a minute...why continue or grow our mailings? The answer my friend is blowing in the winds of change (I do so enjoy using old song lyrics, sorry). Less mail, more upside opportunity for your Direct Mail to stand out!

We are very excited about our efficient, economical URL personalization tool for direct mail. Why not Personalize and drive new revenue? Tracking Response on-line in real time is a sure way to really understand your Customers.

Please scroll down on our home page at http://www.printedmaterials.com and just click the pURL logo next to the YouTube video. I would appreciate any feedback from you.

Erich

Erich D. Moor http://twitter.com/Erich_D_Moor

Moor Printing Services, Inc. http://www.printedmaterials.com

Sourcing & Project Management: Print, Promotional Products & Fulfillment services

Wanna share? Why not?

2009-07-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Most times, Customers and Suppliers freely share key business information when it clearly provides mutual value, right?

Take it a step further and even Competitors can do this if guidelines are agreed to initially. Discovering and understanding the "unknown's" are the areas in business that can make or break a relationship.

Too often, the busy daily challenges that faces Management on the Customer and Supplier side's are at odds with the time it takes to share key business info. This sharing time (ironically) could reduce Management's day to day burdens by facilitating better communications and thus improved productivity - earnings.

So, why not ask your Suppliers or Customers what primary challenges face them in the 3rd or 4th Quarter's? Get specific. Experiences and results that are relevant to their challenges can go a long way in further establishing Trust and in reciprocating key biz info to everyones value.

Who knows, you may reduce cost's or drive new revenue by asking: wanna share?

Are you hard wired or wireless and connected?

2009-05-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

We are hard wired or taught by our individual life experiences (and from our early work year’s in our 20-30’s). We gain knowledge and apply it.

This provides a challenge in an age of constant change. What must we do? Be very active in learning, adapting, strategizing and understanding what is truly important. Implementing bold new ways of delivering business results to increase revenue or reduce spend requires unique talent. People are key.

However, a bad recession, lack of credit, rising stress levels and anxiety contribute to poor business results (I am professor obvious, I know). But alas, we live in a time of highly talented people. Intuitive technology that integrates via social media, crowd sourcing innovation’s, data mining and endless web 2.0 tools. The creative Entrepreneurs utilizing open source on the interwebs and what not (especially the what not) are breaking new ground via automated processes. They are acquiring Customers who seek lower prices and efficient services on the web.

So, what does this have to do with how we are hard wired? Executing is dependent on how we are wired and how we adapt to accomplish our objectives.

Hard Wired is Applied Knowledge - doing what you know with your companies team.

Wireless & Connected is taking your Applied Knowledge to the next level. This is performed by Collaborating with objective, outside Consultants who assist in Categories where they can provide positive Revenue impact.

If each person and division hit’s their mutually agreed goals on time in connection with specific company goals, then this is as good as a company can get. Earnings that Stakeholders agree to must happen or changes should come about - soon. Of course since a poor credit market and recession linger, this is increasingly difficult to maintain.

No one knows the future, but Management is the future when they visualize in relation to the companies goals. Following thru, every day. A basketball player will practice throwing 100 free throw shots and “see” the ball go in the hoop. This type of visualizing is important in business and must have the documented processes behind it for all to follow. We are also wired on how we do things and yet we have so many choices to make.

Choosing wisely means being wirelessly connected to outside, objective pro’s that you can measure for cost savings and/or increasing revenue. They can assist your people or manage some business areas that are outside your core competence. Every company buys and sells. However, why not look at the expense / sales data? Mining deep into your Procurement, Marketing or Sales areas may provide opportunities for spend reduction or revenue growth that only a Consultant firm can deliver. Also, having an inside seasoned executive with buying and selling experience provides the Client a way to gauge the Consultant’s work.

To fully understand each Client’s challenges is by discerning (or seeing “underneath the hood“) what results are really expected. This should be very clear and agreed to early on.

Everyone has wiring, but how well are we connected?

Erich D. Moor http://twitter.com/Erich_D_Moor

Moor Printing Services, Inc. http://www.printedmaterials.com

Sourcing & Project Management: Print, Promotional Products & Fulfillment services

2009-03-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Charlie Festa is the Community Leader who manages all things interesting at Threadless.

Recently, I met up with Charlie in my old neighborhood (I was born and raised in Chicago's northside Ravenswood area). He begins to explain the real stories of independent artists and their experiences of connecting with Threadless.

The creative community Threadless built is based on being one of the first successful user generated or crowdsourcing business models.

Inc. Magazine and the Harvard Business Reveiw published stories on Threadless last Summer. As I walked into their offices, I notice 2 ping pong tables (nice ones, sturdy). I know right away that I will like these folks (uh, yes I play)!

Charlie shows me a wall design that was a gift from Black Rock Collective, an international group of artists who thrive via collaboration. BRC shares ideas in an environment that is rich and varied with lotsa styles. Many BRC members initially met because of shared interest in Threadless. In Feb. BRC presented their first show in Chicago - www.blackrockcollective.com

When you get on the Threadless site, some Fridays Charlie has got the Vimeo video thing goin' to wish everyone a luxurious weekend and to put a big smile on your face. He holds up a Tee and explains it's a "Type" Tee. This Tee says "Actually, Medicine is the best Medicine". My favorite is "Festa-Dome" (it's all about der uber Charlie Festa talkin' Tee's).

"Goin' green in '09" is what "Chat-Tee Charlie" is talking about on this particular Friday on Vimeo. He and his team know how to mix it up with Social Media like Twitter (as of March 18^th 118,000+ Twitter followers!) The Social Equity that Threadless has built and engaged is a unique business success.

Check it out and join these creative artist’s. Charlie keeps it real and always, always interesting by understanding what the community wants at www.threadless.com

Erich D. Moor http://twitter.com/Erich_D_Moor

Moor Printing Services, Inc. http://www.printedmaterials.com

2009-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

So, what's your game plan for 2009? I don't wanna sound like Professor Obvious, but a rough uncertain business climate is upon us all at light speed. Kinda like a hockey puck being rifled at your head. Ya gotta move in the right direction or you get whacked! We have to proceed with urgency and maintain the right goals in order to keep momentum.

What real value can an outside Consultant firm provide to your bottom line revenue? Is your company profiting from an outside objective viewpoint?

At MPS we provide complete advisory services for a companies Marketing, Print and Promotional projects (www.printingrep.com). But what Marketing ROI and Cost Savings does Management realistically require?

By taking a custom solutions approach to the next level, we boost our value to Customers in a big way. For example by knowing the purpose, amount and flow of Print Materials and Marketing related services. This enables MPS to dig deeper in how a new custom process can be measured to save even more time and money. There is always room for testing new ideas when cost savings and increasing revenue can be compared to what is the current strategy.

It usually starts with 2 people (buyer and consultant) communicating on what challenges need to be addressed. So, which Consultant is working hard at providing your Solutions? Is it wasted time to spare 30 minutes each week and have a dialogue or is it best to do nothing? I never enjoy going to the Dentist for teeth cleaning. But when I leave, I have that minty fresh feeling and remember why it's so important.

Are you tuned in?

2009-01-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

When you ask Customers what they think about specific challenges they face, what happens?

They express themselves! This is mucho good. They want to relate their viewpoint and be understood. A Customer is providing key information and their feelings about an opportunity. An insightful Consultant/Supplier can then understand and develop a custom solution for this Customer. It also means listening and filling in the gaps of what's not being said in light of the issue at hand.

Some people within a company really like new ideas but don't have consensus from everyone in Management to implement them. However, others will engage the decision makers first to agree on ideas/solutions and then choose which Consultant provides the best options. This approach is clearly the way to go.

What is really important to Management?

Strategy, Execution and great Results based on accurate data. How can this not be important? Only when Managers and key people don't listen to an outside perspective that provides relevant solutions. Of course, Customers must have a few or more options and metrics in order to make choices.

In preparation for a very tough economy in 2009 means forward thinking Managers always are listening closely. Staying focused on their Mission while comparing which ideas should be tested and executed. This is a cooperative effort between Customers and outside Suppliers / Consultants. So, why not tune in today? Management should always be asking: "who is listening?"

Erich D. Moor
Chief Dot Connector, President
MPS, Inc.
Chicago 847.680.6360
erich@printingrep.com

2008-05-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

Dec. 20, 2008

How can new thought strategies generate real revenue growth in 2009?

“It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.”

W. Edwards Deming, famed Business Consultant, Educator 1900-1993

If you are a Marketer or SMB Owner, this article should make you strategize in a new way. Please answer the below and rate yourself and your team from 1 - 10. 1 being a 1970's style marketer and 10 being marketing innovators at light speed. Here we go:

1) How are you capturing more new revenue in ‘09?

Answer: _____________________________________

2) What new thought strategies and tools are generating this new revenue growth?

Answer: _______________________________

3) Are you forecasting and tracking how these strategies deliver revenues each quarter?

Answer:________________________________

Be honest and grade yourself. We all think of ourselves as innovative and out of the corrugated box thinkers, right? However, does the day to day work and actual revenues highlight that you are really doing this? What NEW thought strategies are you and your team doing? It’s good if you are actually doing this and documenting your process. Deming stated: “If you can’t describe what you are doing as a process, you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Are documented processes and execution delivering above average results? Is your current marketing process focused on working harder by doing alot of the same things you did in ‘08 or ‘07?

C’mon, think about it. If most of what you are doing is the same strategy, you have then automatically renewed your membership at the N7CMA (The National 1970’s Corporate Mindset Association).

Assigning someone who is objective for a brief weekly overview in evaluating how your strategies are working is wise. They can report the status of new strategic processes and track quarterly forecasts versus actual sales/inquiry results. How can '09 and '10 deliver new revenue without new thought leadership, new strategies? Of course, some will work, some will fail. Learn quick, change when needed and stick to the new ones that have promise for growth.

NEW THOUGHT STRATEGIES

+ FOCUSED EXECUTION = NEW REVENUE

Staying true to your Mission, focused on your core business is crucial. So is being willing to think and strategize differently. In the 1960’s, many people thought that smoking did not contribute to lung cancer. Advertising was very strong in this market. Many people really believed it was harmless. Now, we all know the facts about smoking. It's reality. So, does Management know the facts about Marketing's actual ROI? How are measurable Cost - Time Savings being achieved?

In a few years from now, will Management think: “why did we not adopt new (thought) strategies relevant to our Customer's and their markets?” Of course, every organization wants to get the biggest bang for the buck and not stupid in wasting resources. Especially not just for the sake of looking like galactic marketers in innovation hyperspace. Within a reasonable period of time, Results must follow!

So the question is: how important is it for Management to implement new strategies and track it’s execution relative to your mission statement? There must be an up to speed understanding in each Clients vertical market of their respective changing business dynamics. This is a challenge.

Listening to new, innovative firms with real experience about recent marketing strategies that work is worth your time. It's an economical way to hear what’s new, versus listening to the same old tune from some current suppliers. Just like hearing new music that moves ya - you know it when ya hear it. Hey, I liked the '80’s but I gotsta, gotsta listen to new stuff!

Erich D. Moor
President, Chief Dot Connector
Moor Printing Services, Inc. We are about collaborative Internet - Print Marketing that delivers high ROI. We provide Measurable Cost Saving Solutions for ALL types of Print & Promotional Products via our talented team, methodology and new technologies.

Chicago 847.680.6360
erich@printingrep.com