01 Nov We have more in common than we realize
Yesterday was the conclusion of the PICA Fall Conference and I’ve come away with fresh ideas and renewed inspiration. I learned tips that can benefit all PICA members. Some which stood out the most include: how to see the world through the eyes of a print buyer rather than a printer; how to increase profitable sales; the importance of continuous improvement and Six Sigma; transitioning to wide format; and how to hire and retain members of the Millennial and Gen Z, the next generations of our workforce and customers. I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of an organization that can host such an informative weekend with engaging speakers to share these ideas and more with our industry.
If all that wasn’t enough, I learned as much during the time in between speakers talking among peers as I did during the sessions. No matter the size, shape or specialty of the printer, we all have our share of challenges and successes. Sharing those experiences with each other reminds me of the importance of building a strong network to support each other. In the coming months, Martin Printing and I are planning to invest in a new segment of our industry, and I can’t tell you how supportive colleagues and friends at the conference were to share their ideas, experiences and expertise with us over the weekend. We are more similar than one might think and having fellow members to call and bounce an idea off of can be invaluable to all of us.
A book I’m currently reading by Richard Sheridan titled Chief Joy Officer sums it up best, “…no one’s tombstone features one’s net worth. What one remembers in old age and, more important, what one is remembered for is not the dollars accumulated but instead the people she or he helped develop professionally and personally along the way.” It’s an exciting time at PICA with many opportunities on the horizon to grow our community. In the coming months, I hope we can add some new faces, companies and vendor partners to our family. And let’s all see how much we can advocate for and help our fellow new and old members develop and grow. I think we would all like to be remembered for that.