Every day bloggers (I am no different) write on topics that are designed to make you think in new ways. Today I am really going to challenge you. First, feel free to exclude yourself from this if you are a printing company executive who is running things smoothly, leading and making money. For the rest of you, here is the challenge. Is there anyone who is truly spending time “leading” their printing organization? Not running it. Not putting out fires. Not managing it day to day. Are you truly leading? Do you have a vision for the future and a plan of how to get there? An idea without a plan is just that—an idea.
Here is what I often observe in this industry. The top-level people focus on survival. Is survival important? Of course, times are tough. However, this is not a strategy but simply a temporary Band-Aid. I hear executives say we don’t know what we want to do or where we want to go or even where we should begin. Yet, at the same time, they are spending time looking at equipment purchases or trying to “pick off” salespeople from other companies. Not good.
I hear executives share that they are drowning, buried, covered up, swamped, coming up for air, in the weeds, up to their eyeballs, running ragged. Well, you get the idea. Not good.
So, is there anyone out there who is running a printing company and wants to become a true or better leader? A leader who can create a vision and passionately help their company and team grow in an exponential manner. Is there someone who wants to understand how traditional media and digital media are different yet intersect to create amazing opportunities? Is there a person who wants to really understand what sales are about in 2013? And finally, is there a person who also wants to learn what is expected in marketing in our new world?
So, I ask the question: Are you out there? The great leaders/executives I work with IN THIS INDUSTRY are planning 2015 or 2016 and building long-term plans, not struggling as to what they will do in the afternoon. They operate as business people, not “printers.” I told you this would be a tough blog. So…
Where are you? Do you want to grow? Life is a journey. The choice is yours. You have 168 hours in a week. What do you do with it?
The first five people to e-mail me (solid responses) as to what they want to learn to develop their leadership skills (confidential, of course) will receive a free, signed copy of my book and a free phone consultation with me. You hear that, FREE AND FREE!!!
However, if you feel like you are drowning and buried, the question is, will you step up to this challenge to learn something new and find a way to make this happen, OR find an excuse of why you don’t have time? Leaders look up. Leaders look forward. Leaders find a way. Leaders make things happen.
The challenge is on the table. Let’s see who steps up. Let’s roll!
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