Competitors Work Together for Mutual Benefit

By Debbie Nicholson, Think-to-INK!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-nicholson-24a53627/

Naysayers Be Gone!

I had the privilege of being the Keynote Speaker at PINE’s (Print Industries of New England) Annual Conference in Mystic, CT, and I gained a unique perspective on the industry.

Print associations like PINE, which are spread across America, are bound by a joint mission: to foster the growth of the print, packaging, digital, direct mail, and graphics arts communication industry. Their daily efforts are a testament to their shared commitment.

Here are some worthy insights I experienced while at the Conference.

Our industry challenges, hurdles, and goals are more similar than we might think. If we choose to face them alone, that’s our decision. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Together, we can conquer any obstacle and achieve our shared goals.

The printing industry…with its printed words -- beautiful art displays -- vivid colors that take our breath -- wayfinding signage to help us find our way -- newsletters to keep us informed -- catalogs to help guide us with our purchasing decisions, and brochures to enlighten and educate us about potential purchases or services, is a small testament to the impact and beauty of print that inspire us every day.

As I looked across the room, I noted that competitors were not just sitting at the same table but engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing insights, and finding common ground. The eagerness to contribute and the dissolution of closed-off impulses were powerful reminders of the potential for competitors to work together for mutual benefit.

I also attended a few break-out sessions, and it was phenomenal to hear the attendees' willingness to share knowledge without hesitation. 

When complex and complicated questions were asked, people inserted their unique ways of tackling everyday issues within their organizations, which opened up other thoughts and ideas that led to even more meaningful discussions. It reminded me of a comfortable meeting with your leadership team, but this was with other successful printing companies and vendors.

I was amazed and proud of how forthcoming the attendees were in such a competitive industry setting. Their willingness to share their experiences, both failures and successes, was not just worth the price of admission but also a source of inspiration and motivation for all of us in the print industry.

If you are not currently a member of your regional Printing Association, consider the benefits they offer. These associations provide a platform for networking, learning, and sharing experiences. They offer resources and programs to help you stay updated with industry trends and best practices. Most importantly, they foster a collaborative environment where business growth is encouraged.

In closing:

Surround yourself with individuals and associations that have a line-of-sight focus on inspiring, educating, and empowering you and your company to prosper in ways you thought were impossible.

Heck with those naysayers!