Have you explored www.piamidam.org lately?  Not only will you find a totally new look, but you'll discover we have added a classified section to the site.  Member companies can post job openings and also search resumes from job seekers (replaces our existing JobBank), as well any equipment or services for sale.  Posting job openings is $150 a month - if you're not a member. Members don't pay a cent! Thus, saving hundreds of dollars, if not more, every time you use it.

 

No passwords are required and all that is needed is an email address.  You'll find posting easy, and if you have any questions direct them to [email protected] , or give us a call at (800) 788-2040.

If you were at GraphExpo earlier this month, towards the back of the hall you would have discovered one of the more active booths at the show.  It was PrintMediaCentr's booth, and of course, it featured the iconic Deborah Corn, "Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse."  In a recent online article, Deborah shared some important insights.  Here are several of her key thoughts when dealing with customers:

 

"Sending an email, without following up, even if you think what you have said, described, explained is crystal clear, leaves people behind. A call to action only works when people understand what that action will result in. Not getting a response from a customer doesn't mean your idea/offer was bad, and taking the opportunity to check in and give the customer reasons why they should consider it for their business specifically could just turn things around.

Use your best resources for intel - your customers! Ask them how you are doing, what you could do better, what print and finishing they aren't doing they wish they could. You will end up with stronger relationships and may even discover a new in-house capability or outside partnership is needed.

 

What is thought leadership? If we look at Apple, thought leadership is telling people what they need and providing it, essentially creating the market for their own products and services. Some people out there utilizing and incorporating new printing and marketing technologies are successfully doing just that, but most of us aren't."  Visit this site to review the entire article.

Our PIA Mid America Lean Focus group has met on a regular basis for well over a year and during that time it's been our best-attended educational program. The meetings have focused on subjects such as: 5S, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Quick Changeovers, Seven Deadly Wastes, Theory of Constraints and more...all of which are valuable tools in helping companies increase their productivity.

 

Our October program will be held at Olmsted-Kirk Paper Company on October 8^th.  At the meeting our attendees will share their experiences (and learn more) about their lean journey in a roundtable environment.  Please join us and see why these firms make the time to participate on a monthly basis. Whether you are well into the implementation of Lean, or are only "dipping your toes in the Lean waters," come share, lunch, and learn.  For more information, contact Dave Pierson at (214) 630-8871 or [email protected].  Click here to register.

Today's front-line manager and department supervisors have many challenges. Yet, one of the most complex -- and where mistakes become very expensive.  At our upcoming Quick Takes Tuesday meeting we address many of the crucial issues, including:  hiring and terminations; effective interviewing; disciplinary issues, plus much, much more. Whether you're just new to supervising or a 20-year veteran, you'll find this program extremely beneficial and informative.

The program will be held Tuesday, September 29th at Clampitt Paper and is exceedingly affordable at $15.00 per person.  Sign up here.

 

Over the past several years, individuals using social media to communicate has become commonplace.  Yet, as more and more use these sites, it's becoming apparent that new rules have to be considered.  Many well-meaning managers engage with employees on social media websites, which can offer a host of benefits: stronger relationships between employees and management; a sense of collegiality; instant updates on employees' life changes. However, information that is shared on a site could expose employers to potential legal problems.  Check out this article originally published by "Birmingham Medical News" and posted by Burr-Forman LLC.