The old saying goes that only two things in life are guaranteed: death and taxes. In my humble opinion, I’d like to suggest a third: change.
I make this statement in light of my own, very recent firsthand experience. I am excited to announce here in my first post for our blog that I have joined PrintComm as the new Director of Strategic Development. In a nutshell, my job will be to take 15 years of experience in the print and publishing technology industries and apply that to the challenges our clients face in communicating with the people who need them most.
Clients and consumers are constantly bombarded with messaging from an ever increasing number of channels. Our clients ask themselves, “Which options work best for breaking through the noise? Should I use one or multiple channels when speaking with my customers? What works best for what I’m trying to achieve?”
The truth is, however, that there is no one, right answer for everyone – but there may be a best answer. And, the answer that works today may not be the best option a year from now depending on the changes that will have taken place and the new technologies that will become available.
Here’s what I know for certain:
1) Advances in print technology and the supporting tools that surround that technology have made things possible today that could not have been done effectively or efficiently only a short time ago.
2) The internet has changed the way we communicate. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn – among other networking and social media sites – have all been developed in the last 10 years and have forever changed the way we speak with each other and the speed at which we expect that conversation.
3) Technology follows the money. As the masses take to new channels of communication, new software and applications are developed in order to take advantage of the new platforms.
4) It’s usually better to try to solve problems with someone who has tackled similar challenges in the past. Their experience and capabilities will go a long way in helping you avoid the common mistakes that others have made.
Just like death and taxes, change is going to happen. The norm for today may not end up being the norm for tomorrow. The key is how you react to that change, who you look to for help as you navigate a changing marketplace, and evaluating what is unique to your specific challenges and circumstances.
So, my first question is, “What’s changed for you?”
